Question

first read: selection vocabulary
identify the choice that best answers the question.
what does the context suggest is the most likely meaning of subsided in this excerpt from \the feather pillow\?
for a long time she cried out all the fears she had kept silent, redoubling her weeping at jordans slightest caress. then her sobs subsided, and she stood a long while, her face
hidden in the hollow of his neck, not moving or speaking a word.
a. became less
b. became damaging
c. grew more intense
d. grew more annoying

Explanation:

The word "subsided" means to become less intense or to die down. In the context, her sobs (which are a form of crying) stopped being as strong. "Became less" is the most general and appropriate option as it can refer to the intensity of the sobs reducing. "Became damaging" (B) is incorrect as there's no indication of damage. "Grew more intense" (C) is the opposite of what "subsided" means. "Grew more annoying" (D) is not related to the meaning of "subsided" in terms of intensity reduction.

Answer:

A. became less