Question

Use the article excerpt to answer the question.
Which word replacement would create a stronger negative connotation?
a replacing the word nosedive with dive
b replacing the word depleted with destroyed
c replacing the word warmer with hotter
d replacing the word adapt with adjust

Answer 1

To create a stronger negative connotation, the best choice would be:

b) replacing the word depleted with destroyed

"Depleted" suggests a significant reduction, while "destroyed" conveys a much more severe and irreversible loss, thus intensifying the negative connotation.