Choose the best contextual synonym for dichotomy:
The sociologist critiqued the false dichotomy between economic development and environmental preservation, arguing that long-term fiscal prosperity depends fundamentally on ecological resilience.
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. division into two contradictory or mutually exclusive groups
- Step 1: Analyze context: the author critiques the idea that society must choose either economy or environment, demonstrating they are mutually dependent.
- Step 2: 'Dichotomy' refers to a division or contrast between two things that are represented as being entirely opposed or mutually exclusive.
Answer
division into two contradictory or mutually exclusive groups.
Why not the others: 'harmonious synthesis of complementary ideas' describes integration rather than division; 'gradual evolutionary transition between stages' refers to a continuum; 'statistical correlation between independent variables' relates to quantitative data analysis.
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