SAT OwlQuestion bank / Words in Context
After the flood of 1927 damaged dozens of buildings along the riverbank, engineers inspected the old stone mill, expecting to condemn it. To their surprise, they found its walls entirely sound, with only a few loose stones near the waterline. The mill was repaired and remained in use for another forty years.
As used in the text, what does the word "sound" most nearly mean?
loud
reasonable
sturdy
deep
Show answer and explanation
Answer: C
The engineers expected to condemn the mill but found only a few loose stones, and the mill stayed in use for forty more years. "Sound" here means sturdy, in good condition.
Choice B fits "a sound argument," but walls can't be reasonable; the engineers are judging their physical condition.
Why the other choices are wrong
- A. "Loud" relates to noise, but the engineers are judging the condition of the walls.
- B. "Reasonable" fits an argument or decision, not stone walls inspected for damage.
- D. "Deep" fits "a sound sleep," but the text is about whether the walls are strong enough to keep using.
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