Question

although the words original meaning was flattering, it has come to ______ an obnoxiously selfish person. 1 elucidate 2 desecrate 3 amortize 4 connote

Explanation:

First, analyze the meaning of each word:

1. "Elucidate" means to explain something clearly, which does not fit the context of a word's meaning shifting to describe a person.
2. "Desecrate" means to treat a sacred thing with disrespect, which is irrelevant here.
3. "Amortize" means to pay off a debt over time, which has no connection to the context of word meanings.
4. "Connote" means to imply or suggest a particular meaning in addition to the literal one, which matches the context of a word's meaning evolving to refer to an obnoxiously selfish person.

Answer:

1. connote