Question

reading quiz
question 3
instructions
read the question carefully and select the best answer.
what is most closely the meaning of the word spare as it is used in the following passage (paragraph 1)?
\only one thing can spare you,\ lord fipe announced. \bring me a box containing one thousand ropes of ash and i will spare your village.\
a. noun | an identical item that is kept and used in the event another is lost
b. verb | to save from punishment or destruction
c. verb | to give or lend something without inconvenience
d. adjective | additional; beyond what is required for use

Explanation:

To determine the meaning of "spare" in the passage, we analyze the context: Lord Hope will not harm the village if given the ropes, so "spare" here means to refrain from punishment/disturbance. Option B matches this (to save from punishment/disturbance). Option A is about a replacement, C about lending, D about excess—none fit.

Answer:

B. verb: to save from punishment or disturbance