Which word means to scatter or spread over an area?

Which word means to scatter or spread over an area?

• A. Disperse
• B. Vicinity
• C. Quarreled
• D. Malicious

Answer: (A)

The main idea tested is choosing a word that describes spreading or scattering across space. Disperse means to cause to spread out or distribute over a wide area. Think of seeds dispersed by the wind, chemical dispersal in water, or a crowd dispersing after an event—the action is about moving apart and covering more space. The other words don’t fit the sense of spreading: vicinity is a noun referring to the surrounding area, not an action; quarreled means argued; malicious describes harmful intent. So disperse is the correct choice because it directly captures the act of spreading over an area.

The main idea tested is choosing a word that describes spreading or scattering across space. Disperse means to cause to spread out or distribute over a wide area. Think of seeds dispersed by the wind, chemical dispersal in water, or a crowd dispersing after an event—the action is about moving apart and covering more space.

The other words don’t fit the sense of spreading: vicinity is a noun referring to the surrounding area, not an action; quarreled means argued; malicious describes harmful intent. So disperse is the correct choice because it directly captures the act of spreading over an area.