What does the underlined phrasal verb mean in the sentence given below?
Nani’s eyes misted over when she found her mother’s old letters in the steel trunk.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → moistened
A phrasal verb is a verb joined with a small word such as up, out or together. The two words together have a new meaning.
When the eyes mist over, they fill with tears, usually because of strong feeling. Its closest meaning is moistened. Example: Papa’s eyes misted over as he waved goodbye at the station.
| Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| (1) narrowed | to become almost closed, as when a person is in doubt or angry | The guard’s eyes narrowed when he saw the torn pass. |
| (2) moistened (answer) | to become slightly wet (same as mist over) | Her eyes moistened when the class sang a farewell song for her. |
| (3) brightened | to look suddenly happy or hopeful | Riya’s face brightened when she saw her result. |
| (4) widened | to open fully, often in surprise or fear | The children’s eyes widened at the magic trick. |