From the words lettered A to D below each of the following sentences, choose the word, or group of words that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word as it is used in the sentence
Modou is endowed with great potential ____________
A. Enlightened B. provided C. gifted D. inspired
Correct Answer: C
Explanation
To be endowed with something is to have a particular quality or feature, gifted. Note that while "endowed" means provide, "endowed with great potential" means gifted. You cannot say "gifted with great potential" because that will denote tautology - repetition of same idea. You can only say "He is gifted". In addition, in "Nature endowed the human race with intelligence", provided better fits for the synonymy. Therefore, it is contextual usage that determines the appropriate synonym.