Choose the option that best defines the word in italics:
The Minister underscored that preserving riparian buffer zones along riverbanks is paramount to mitigating devastating seasonal flash floods.
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. of supreme importance
- Step 1: Analyze the contextual meaning of 'paramount': the sentence emphasizes a vital ecological measure needed to prevent devastating natural disasters.
- Step 2: The adjective 'paramount' means more important than anything else or supreme in significance.
Answer
of supreme importance.
Why not the others: 'of minor significance' is the direct antonym; 'somewhat useful' vastly understates the critical urgency implied by paramount; 'potentially hazardous' incorrectly implies risk rather than essential protective importance.
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