Select the word that best completes the sentence.
The new evidence ______ the theory, leaving its supporters with little to defend.
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. undermined
- Step 1: The consequence "leaving its supporters with little to defend" indicates that the newly uncovered evidence weakened, discredited, or subverted the theory.
- Step 2: The verb undermined means to erode the foundation or credibility of something. Confirmatory words like validated, bolstered, and corroborated describe strengthening the theory, contrary to the outcome.
Answer
undermined.
Why not the others: Validated means confirmed the accuracy or legitimacy of the theory; bolstered signifies strengthening or reinforcing; corroborated denotes supporting with independent evidence; affirmed means declared positively to be true.
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