What is the meaning of the word 'derivative' in the following sentence: 'The professor's lecture seemed to be a bit derivative'?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The word 'derivative' in this sentence means that the professor's lecture was not original, but instead heavily based on or closely imitating something else. Therefore, the correct meaning is 'unoriginal.' Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. 'Monotonous' means lacking in variety and boringly repetitive, 'condescending' means showing a superior attitude, and 'long-winded' means using more words than necessary.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The word 'contravene' in this sentence means to go against or disobey. Therefore, the correct meaning is closest to 'disregard.' The interns did not follow or comply with the doctor's orders, indicating that they contravened them. 'Comply with' (Choice A) is the opposite of 'contravene,' 'misjudge' (Choice B) and 'comprehend' (Choice C) do not accurately reflect the meaning of 'contravene' in this context.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the context of the sentence, the word 'placebo' refers to a substance or treatment that resembles a real medical treatment but has no therapeutic effect. It is used as a standard against which the effects of the experimental drug are compared. A placebo is typically included in a control group in medical research to evaluate the actual effects of the experimental drug. Therefore, in this scenario, the placebo serves as a control to gauge the effectiveness of the experimental drug, making choice C the correct answer. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because a placebo is not a fallback, substitute, or curative treatment in this context.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The word 'simulated' means to imitate or replicate the characteristics or actions of something. It involves creating a representation that resembles the original. In this context, 'imitated' is the correct synonym as it aligns with the idea of mimicking or reproducing something to simulate it. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not reflect the concept of imitation or replication, which is central to the meaning of 'simulated.'

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The word 'ameliorate' means to improve or make something better. In this sentence, the question is asking whether the dosage made the tenderness better, indicating an improvement in the condition. Therefore, the correct meaning of 'ameliorate' is to improve, making option B the correct choice. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not accurately reflect the meaning of 'ameliorate' in the context provided.