Question

the pure spring water had become adulterated by runoff from the factory.
adulterated is most similar in meaning to ______.
a. filled
b. matured
c. purified
d. tainted

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze the meaning of "adulterated" from the context (spring water affected by factory runoff, so contaminated). Now we check each option:

• Option A: "filled" means to occupy space, not related to contamination. Eliminate.
• Option B: "matured" refers to development, not related. Eliminate.
• Option C: "purified" means to make clean, opposite of adulterated. Eliminate.
• Option D: "tainted" means contaminated or spoiled, which matches the meaning of adulterated.

Answer:

D. tainted