Question 25

Huge

The word 'massive' in the context of the extract is closest in meaning to 'huge,' as it describes the size of the body that collided with the Earth, indicating something very large in scale.

A) Dense

'Dense' refers to how compact or closely packed matter is within a given volume. While something massive can also be dense, the term 'massive' specifically conveys size rather than compactness. Therefore, this option does not accurately reflect the meaning of 'massive' in the provided context.

B) Impressive

'Impressive' relates to something that evokes admiration or respect due to its grandeur or size. Although a massive object can indeed be impressive, the primary meaning of 'massive' focuses on physical size, making this option less suitable as a synonym in the context of the extract.

C) Huge

'Huge' directly aligns with the meaning of 'massive,' indicating something of considerable size or extent. In the context of the Moon's origin, describing the colliding body as 'massive' suggests it was very large, thus 'huge' is the most appropriate synonym.

D) Unavoidable

'Unavoidable' refers to something that cannot be avoided or escaped. This term has no relation to size or mass, making it irrelevant when considering the meaning of 'massive' in this context.

Conclusion

The correct answer, 'huge,' accurately captures the essence of the word 'massive' as used in the extract, emphasizing the considerable size of the body that impacted the Earth. In contrast, the other options do not convey the same meaning and are therefore incorrect. Understanding the nuances of these synonyms highlights the importance of context in vocabulary interpretation.