In 1929 the Atlantic Monthly published several articles based on newly discovered letters allegedly exchanged between President Abraham Lincoln and a woman named Ann Rutledge. Historians were unable to ______ the authenticity of the letters, however, and quickly dismissed them as a hoax.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
Explanation
Context: The Atlantic Monthly published articles about letters between Lincoln and Ann Rutledge. Historians "were unable to [blank] the authenticity of the letters"—couldn't confirm them.
Answer: A) validate
Why? Couldn't confirm = couldn't verify. Validate = verify, confirm.
Traps:
- B) interpret → means explain, different
- C) relate → means connect, different
- D) accommodate → means adapt, different