21. Select the meaning of the underlined word in this sentence. The *impending* operation was the subject of the conversation.
Answer: B
Soon to occur
The word "impending" in the sentence refers to something that is about to happen or is imminent. Therefore, the meaning aligns perfectly with the option "soon to occur."
A) Very serious
While an impending operation may carry a serious weight, the definition of "impending" does not inherently convey seriousness. This option incorrectly interprets the context of the word, focusing on the gravity rather than the timing of the operation.
B) Soon to occur
This option accurately captures the essence of "impending," which indicates that the operation is approaching or expected to happen in the near future. This aligns directly with the context provided in the sentence.
C) Required
The term "required" suggests necessity, which does not reflect the meaning of "impending." An operation can be impending without being mandatory or essential, making this option incorrect.
D) Elective
"Elective" refers to a choice or an option rather than something that is imminent. Since "impending" does not imply choice but rather the certainty of occurrence, this option is not suitable.
Conclusion
The word "impending" clearly conveys the notion of something that is about to take place, which makes option B the correct choice. The other options fail to accurately define the term as they either misinterpret its meaning or focus on characteristics that are not relevant to the context of the sentence.