a GRE question question: The jazz style called bebop was born and nurtured in New York City, and despite a ______initial reception, it resonated three thousand miles away on the West Coast.in this bla

razor

a GRE question

question: The jazz style called bebop was born and nurtured in New York City, and despite a ______

initial reception, it resonated three thousand miles away on the West Coast.

in this blank, the answer is muddled and confused.

at the first glance, I think this blank should be filled with words related to wary, because I think it should be a contrast between resonate and the blank. As I understand, though initially people accept it cautiously, this style resonates on the West coast.

I do not know why the answer is "muddled and confused".

I am very grateful if you answer my question. :)

May 20, 2016 11:06 AM

Comments · 8

Sorry, you've misinterpreted the meaning of "resonated". Muddled/Confused is the closest thing to a correct answer. Wary is wrong.

May 20, 2016

oh yes. I get the point! thank you. resonate means that people on the west coast understand the essence of the style first ,but people in the NY confuse about it.

I was misguided by a dictionary which says resonate means be received or understood. but actually, resonate means understand but not receive. is that right?

May 20, 2016

I do not get your point. first, ," it resonated three thousand miles away on the West Coast." it means that the style is welcome so the blank should be opposite to this.

second, becasue the sentence is active, the blank should be filled with sth that is negative

May 20, 2016

No, that's not right. An antonym of cautious/wary would be "welcome" (or welcoming). Be careful of the passive voice as well - the sentence is active.

May 20, 2016