15. The highly vaunted team was preparing for the playoffs. Vaunted means
Answer: A
Vaunted means boasted about.
Vaunted refers to something that is highly praised or bragged about, which aligns with the definition of "boasted about."
A) boasted about.
This option is correct as it captures the essence of the word "vaunted," indicating that the team is being recognized and praised for their abilities as they prepare for the playoffs.
B) worked over.
This option is incorrect because "worked over" implies being subjected to thorough examination or criticism, which does not align with the positive connotation of being vaunted.
C) absolutely servile.
This option is incorrect as "absolutely servile" suggests a submissive or overly obedient nature, which conflicts with the notion of being praised or celebrated.
D) most captious.
This option is incorrect because "most captious" refers to being overly critical or fault-finding, which does not reflect the admiration implied by the term vaunted.
Conclusion
In summary, the correct answer is "boasted about" because it accurately reflects the meaning of vaunted as something that is celebrated or praised. The other options fail to capture this positive aspect and introduce meanings that are contradictory to the context of admiration and recognition.