1. What word means the same as relinquishing as it is used in the last paragraph?
Answer: D
Surrendering means the same as relinquishing in this context.
Relinquishing refers to giving up or surrendering rights or control over something. In the context of the paragraph, Tesla gave up his royalty rights, which aligns closely with the meaning of surrendering.
A) Maintaining
Maintaining denotes keeping or preserving something in its current state. This option is incorrect as it implies the opposite of relinquishing, which involves giving up or letting go of rights rather than holding on to them.
B) Retaining
Retaining refers to keeping possession of something. This choice is also incorrect because it contradicts the meaning of relinquishing, which is about giving up rights rather than maintaining them.
C) Selling
Selling involves the exchange of something for money or value. While it may seem related to relinquishing ownership, it does not encompass the broader concept of giving up rights or control without a financial transaction, making it an inaccurate synonym in this context.
D) Surrendering
Surrendering means to give up possession or control over something, which is identical to the meaning of relinquishing as used in the passage. This option accurately reflects Tesla's decision to give up his royalty rights for funding.
Conclusion
The correct answer, surrendering, captures the essence of relinquishing as it relates to giving up rights. In contrast, the other options fail to convey this meaning accurately; they either imply retention or involve a different action altogether, making them unsuitable as synonyms.