Question

Find the meaning of the underlined word(s).
When he was challenged, the salesman stood up for his project.

a) Defended
b) Sold
c) Spoke of
d) Fought
e) Imported

Answer 1

Hint: The phrase “stood up for” is the past participle of “stand up for” which means to take stand for a cause or someone.

Complete answer:

Option a “defended” is the past participle of the word “defend” which means to take any action to protect someone or something. To “stand up for” something also means to take the side of something or to defend it. Thus, option ‘a’ is the correct answer.
Option b “sold” is the past participle of “sell” which means to trade something for money. This is not the meaning of the underlined phrase. Thus, option ‘b’ is incorrect.
Option c “spoke of” is the past participle of ‘speak of’ which means to talk about something. The underlined phrase does not mean this. Thus, option ‘c’ is incorrect.
Option d “fought” is the past participle of ‘fight’ which means ‘a violent confrontation or struggle’. This is not the same as the underlined phrase. Thus, option ‘d’ is incorrect.
Option e “imported” means goods or services brought into a country from abroad for sale. Thus, option e is incorrect.

Note: To stand up for something one must speak for it but the phrase “stand up for” does not mean ‘speak of’.