Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?

Though the theory was initially ______ by scientists, later experiments confirmed it.

Answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. dismissed

- 'verified' eliminates the contrast signaled by 'Though', as confirming it later would not contrast with verifying it initially.
- 'celebrated' wrongly suggests initial acclaim, ignoring the concessive 'Though' that requires an initial rejection.
- 'embraced' means warmly accepted, which directly contradicts the contrast set up by 'Though... later experiments confirmed it.'
  1. Step 1: Identify the contrast signaled by Though between the initial skepticism and subsequent experimental confirmation.
  2. Step 2: The missing word must mean rejected or set aside without serious consideration initially: dismissed.
Answer
dismissed.

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