“The dress _________ her so well that they all immediately _________ her on her appearance.”
The words that best fill the blanks in the above sentence are:
Options:
(A) complemented, complemented
(B) complimented, complemented
(C) complimented, complimented
(D) complemented, complimented
Official Answer Key:
D
Step-by-Step Solution & Explanation
### **Detailed Step-by-Step Solution (GATE AE 2018 Q.1)**
**1. Intuitive Physical Setup & Given Parameters**:
- **Grammatical Context**: Evaluating the correct semantic and contextual distinction between the homophones **complement** (to complete, match, or enhance harmoniously) and **compliment** (to express praise, admiration, or flattery).
**2. Step-by-Step Grammatical & Lexical Derivation**:
1. **First Blank Analysis**:
- The sentence refers to the dress enhancing or harmonizing with her appearance: "The dress *complemented* her so well..."
- 'Complement' means to add to in a way that enhances or improves.
2. **Second Blank Analysis**:
- The onlookers praised or flattered her on her look: "...that they all immediately *complimented* her on her appearance."
- 'Compliment' means an expression of praise or admiration.
3. **Combination**:
- Blank 1 = *complemented*, Blank 2 = *complimented*.
- In the official master paper, Option D provides the sequence (*complemented, complimented*).
**3. Comprehensive Options & Distractor Analysis**:
- **(A)** (*complemented, complemented*): ❌ Incorrect. The second blank requires expressing verbal praise (*complimented*).
- **(B)** (*complimented, complemented*): ❌ Incorrect. Reversed order of homophones.
- **(C)** (*complimented, complimented*): ❌ Incorrect. A garment cannot verbally praise someone in the first blank.
- **(D)** (*complemented, complimented*): ✅ **CORRECT**. Perfectly matches semantic definitions in context.
**4. Official Master Key & Exam Takeaway**:
- **Official Answer**: **D**
- **Exam Rule**: Remember: *complEment* with an 'E' completes or enhances; *complIment* with an 'I' indicates praise.
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