Although both farmers used techniques handed down through generations of ancestors, Farmer Smith's grapevines were withering, while Farmer Brown’s grapevines flourished. Farmer Brown’s grapevines eventually grew so large they completely blocked the sun from Farmer Smith’s vineyard.
Question
Based on context clues, which dictionary entry is the best definition of withering?
Responses
withering \ˈwi-t͟hər-iŋ\ adjective: producing lots of fruit
withering \ˈwi-t͟hər-iŋ\ adjective: producing lots of fruit
withering \ˈwi-t͟hər-iŋ\ adjective: breaking or shattering
withering \ˈwi-t͟hər-iŋ\ adjective: breaking or shattering
withering \ˈwi-t͟hər-iŋ\ adjective: shriveling and dying
withering \ˈwi-t͟hər-iŋ\ adjective: shriveling and dying
withering \ˈwi-t͟hər-iŋ\ adjective: growing and expanding
1 answer
The best definition of "withering" based on the context clues in the passage is:
withering \ˈwi-t͟hər-iŋ\ adjective: shriveling and dying.
The passage indicates that Farmer Smith's grapevines are withering, which suggests they are not thriving and are likely deteriorating rather than producing fruit, breaking, or growing.
