Question

read the following sentence:
after working a double shift, making the long commute, and picking up after the kids, tommy was beat and went to bed early.
what is the denotative meaning of the word \beat\ as it is used in the sentence?
○ defeated
○ stirred together
○ hit many times
○ exhausted

Explanation:

Denotative meaning refers to the literal or dictionary - defined meaning. In the context of Tommy having a long day (working a double shift, commuting, picking up after kids), the word "beat" is used to describe his state. "Exhausted" is the most appropriate literal meaning as it aligns with the idea of being extremely tired after a long day of activities. "Defeated" implies losing a competition or argument which is not relevant here. "Stirred together" is a meaning related to mixing substances. "Hit many times" is a physical action meaning of "beat" which is not applicable in this context.

Answer:

exhausted