Word meaning

Question

Could you please help me ot with the following words and sentences?

She knew there was a certain _____ of danger in her plan, but she felt quietly confident.

a) element b) factor c) aspect d) component

I know that the correct answer is element, but why can’t it be factor? Or why is it element?

She knew that if she succeeded in getting there by daybreak, she would she would experience a great ________ of achievement.

a) perception b) sense c) sensation d) recognition

The correct answer is sense, but why can’t it be sensation?

GPY · Accepted Answer

In both cases, I think you really just have to know the standard idiomatic phrases. "a great sensation of achievement" is not actually incorrect English, but "sense of achievement" is the standard phrase.

Deadrat · Answer

"sense of achievement"

English uses "sense" and words derived from "sense" in different ways. "Sense" can mean intellectual ability, as in "good sense" or "common sense." But the word can also mean feeling: "I can't tell you why, but I get a sense of foreboding every time I enter that house." And it can also mean the physical report of the world from our bodies' faculties -- "sense of taste," "sense of smell," and the other three (or some say four).

"Sensation" applies to the last, which requires external physical input; "sense," as in a good internal feeling, is what comes from recognizing success.

The same applies to the adjectival forms: "sensuous" applies (at least it did originally) to a description of human feeling as opposed to human intellect. "Sensual" means physically gratifying, often with a sexual connotation. Be aware that this distinction is often ignored. But see the grocery store conversation in Animal House between Otter and the dean's wife for innuendo based on vocabulary.

Kanou · Answer

Thanks for both explanations! Especially to you deadrat for your accuracy!

I found a video of Animal House where that part appears!

I suppose she said that the vegetables were sensual refering to "the body part", and that she uses sensuous for people because they are more than just their bodies?

Deadrat · Answer

The fraternity member (He introduces himself as Otter.) is being impertinent.  To the Dean's wife, he says, "Mine's bigger than yours." holding a cucumber because of its phallic shape.  And then he says that he finds vegetables "sensuous," i.e., they appeal to the senses because of their taste, aroma, texture, and so on.  But the Dean's wife rejects Otter's innocent explanation:  "No, they're sensual." she replies, i.e., sexually gratifying, letting Otter know that she understands that his overture isn't about the benefits of eating vegetables.

Kanou · Answer

deadratThe fraternity member (He introduces himself as Otter.) is being impertinent.

I've understood your explanation! Thank you =)

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