Question

Fill in the blank with the correct word: To give a book a ______ reading is to skim it quickly without comprehending.

• A. cursory
• B. cryptic
• C. morose
• D. munificent

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The sentence describes an action involving quick reading without thorough understanding. Let's evaluate the given options: 

• cursory: This word means going rapidly over something without detail, which fits the context of skimming a book quickly and superficially.
• cryptic: This adjective describes something mysterious or obscure, which is unrelated to reading.
• morose: This word describes a sullen and ill-tempered person, irrelevant to the act of reading.
• munificent: This adjective means very generous, which doesn't fit the context of reading.

Based on the meanings, the most suitable word is "cursory". So, the sentence should read: "To give a book a cursory reading is to skim it quickly without comprehending."

Answer 2

Understanding the Word: Cursory 

Word: Cursory

Meaning: Hasty and therefore not thorough or detailed; done quickly with little attention to detail.

Correct Option:

• Option 1: Cursory – ✔️ Correct

Explanation: The word “cursory” perfectly fits a context like quickly skimming a book or glancing over text, where there is minimal depth or care involved in the reading process.

Incorrect Options:

• • Option 2: Cryptic – ✖️ Means mysterious or obscure; does not relate to the speed or quality of reading.
• • Option 3: Morose – ✖️ Means sullen or gloomy; describes mood, not method or depth of action.
• • Option 4: Munificent – ✖️ Means very generous; unrelated to reading or analysis.

Example Sentence:

He gave the report only a cursory glance before the meeting, so he missed several key errors.