SAT OwlQuestion bank / Words in Context
Many early critics dismissed the paintings of Mexican artist Remedios Varo as mere fantasy. Later scholars, however, have argued that Varo's dreamlike scenes are ______ references to alchemy, science, and philosophy, showing that her imaginative images rest on a deep foundation of learning.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
replete with
devoid of
incompatible with
hesitant about
Show answer and explanation
Answer: A
The later scholars push back against the "mere fantasy" view by pointing to a "deep foundation of learning." The paintings must therefore be full of learned references. "Replete with" means filled with, so choice A fits.
Choice B, "devoid of," would mean the paintings lack such references, which would support the early critics instead of the later scholars.
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