Fill in the blank with the correct option, to form a meaningful sentence.
The Principal addressed us in the assembly and ________ the rumours of an early summer break.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → quashed
Complete sentence: The Principal addressed us in the assembly and quashed the rumours of an early summer break. The Principal stopped the rumours of an early summer break.
| Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| (1) defended | to speak in support of a person, idea or decision (one does not defend rumours, and a Principal would deny them or confirm the break) | The lawyer defended her client in court. |
| (2) quashed (answer) | of a rumour, to put an end to it by saying firmly that it is not true | The minister quashed rumours of his resignation. |
| (3) cleared | to remove things from a place or to prove someone innocent (we "clear up" a doubt or "clear the air", but "cleared the rumours" is not the usual way to say that rumours were stopped) | The court cleared him of all charges. |
| (4) rebuked | to scold someone sharply (we rebuke a person, not a rumour) | The coach rebuked the players for arriving late. |