Meaning: 'Until' means 'up to the point in time' when something happens, indicating that the action of measuring novels had not occurred before a certain time.

Wrong options:

• still: 'Still' implies continuity or persistence, which does not fit the context of a time frame leading to an event.
• rested: 'Rested' is a past participle that does not convey a temporal relationship and is irrelevant in this context.
• done: 'Done' suggests completion but does not indicate a time frame, making it unsuitable for the intended meaning.

Correct answer: becoming

Explanation: The word 'becoming' suggests a process of change or development, which fits well in the context of research evolving with new methodologies, aligning grammatically and contextually with the sentence.

Meaning: 'Becoming' means 'coming to be' or 'developing into,' indicating that the research is evolving and becoming possible due to advancements in technology.

Wrong options:

• getting: 'Getting' implies obtaining or acquiring, which does not convey the sense of evolution or development that 'becoming' does.
• growing: 'Growing' suggests an increase in size or quantity, which does not accurately reflect the context of research becoming possible.
• staying: 'Staying' implies remaining in a state, which contradicts the idea of research evolving and developing.

Correct answer: opening

Explanation: The word 'opening' indicates the act of creating new opportunities, which fits grammatically and contextually as it describes how digital humanities are facilitating new possibilities in various fields.

Meaning: 'Opening' means 'creating or making available,' suggesting that digital humanities are providing new avenues for exploration in literature and other fields.

Wrong options:

• bringing: 'Bringing' implies carrying or delivering, which does not convey the sense of creating opportunities as effectively as 'opening.'
• showing: 'Showing' suggests demonstrating or revealing, which does not capture the proactive sense of creating opportunities that 'opening' does.
• accessing: 'Accessing' refers to obtaining or reaching something, which does not fit the context of creating new opportunities.

Correct answer: off

Explanation: The word 'off' indicates the initiation of an action or process, which fits grammatically and contextually as it describes the field of digital humanities starting to take shape and develop.

Meaning: 'Off' in this context means 'starting' or 'beginning,' indicating that the field is in the process of developing and expanding.

Wrong options:

• up: 'Up' suggests an increase or improvement, which does not accurately reflect the initiation of a process as 'off' does.
• in: 'In' implies being inside or within something, which does not convey the sense of starting or launching that 'off' does.
• down: 'Down' suggests a decrease or reduction, which is contrary to the intended meaning of growth and development.