Question

malign
adjective

1. having an evil influence
2. having a negative effect
3. having ill intentions

verb

1. speak evil of
2. spread false or misleading reports about

based on the dictionary entry, what is the meaning of the word maligned in the sentence?
a exposed
b tolerated
c slandered
d accounted

Explanation:

The word "maligned" is the past - participle form of the verb "malign". Looking at the verb definitions of "malign" (speak evil of, spread false or misleading reports about), "slandered" (which means to make false and damaging statements about someone) is the closest in meaning. "Exposed" means to reveal something, "tolerated" means to allow or endure, and "accounted" means to give an explanation or be the cause. None of these match the verb definitions of "malign" as well as "slandered".

Answer:

C. slandered