Unexpected storms have challenged a meteorologist’s forecast that the region would experience a week of uninterrupted sunshine. The rain is unlikely to ______ her prediction of a warm summer overall, but it will certainly alter the rainfall data for the current month.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
dispute
withdraw
underscore
invalidate
Correct Answer: D
Choice D is the best answer. The text says the rain contradicts the weekly forecast but won't change the overall summer prediction. "Invalidate" means to prove to be false or incorrect. The rain won't invalidate the long-term prediction.
Choice A is incorrect because the rain does dispute the forecast, but "invalidate" is more precise for proving something wholly wrong. Choice B is incorrect because the weather is an external factor; it cannot "withdraw" a person's prediction. Choice C is incorrect because "underscore" means to emphasize.