Meaning: 'Dominance' refers to the condition of being more powerful or influential than others, particularly in a social or cultural context.

Wrong options:

• power: While 'power' could imply strength, it does not specifically convey the idea of control over languages as 'dominance' does.
• idea: The term 'idea' is too vague and does not relate to the context of language influence; it lacks the necessary specificity.
• subject: 'Subject' refers to a topic or theme, which does not fit the context of discussing the influence of a language.

Correct answer: twice

Explanation: The word 'twice' is the correct choice as it indicates a numerical comparison, suggesting that the number of languages was double in the past compared to the present. This fits grammatically and contextually with the sentence's structure.

Meaning: 'Twice' means two times, indicating that the number of languages was two times greater in the past.

Wrong options:

• rise: The word 'rise' does not fit grammatically as it is a verb and does not provide a numerical comparison needed in this context.
• firstly: 'Firstly' is an adverb used to introduce a point, which does not align with the need for a numerical descriptor in this sentence.
• never: 'Never' implies a negative condition and does not provide the comparative context required here.

Correct answer: part

Explanation: The word 'part' fits grammatically as a noun indicating a portion or segment of something, which aligns with the phrase 'thanks in part to,' a common idiomatic expression that conveys a contribution to a situation.

Meaning: 'Part' refers to a portion of something, indicating that the rise of uber-languages contributes to the situation described.

Wrong options:

• rare: 'Rare' is an adjective that does not fit grammatically in this context, as it does not convey the idea of contribution.
• start: 'Start' is a verb and does not fit the grammatical structure needed here; it does not indicate a portion of something.
• bother: 'Bother' is a verb that implies annoyance and does not fit the context of expressing gratitude for a contribution.

Correct answer: rate

Explanation: The word 'rate' is the correct choice as it is a noun that describes the speed or frequency of an occurrence, which fits perfectly in the context of languages dying at a specific frequency.

Meaning: 'Rate' refers to the speed at which something happens, in this case, the loss of languages.

Wrong options:

• state: 'State' refers to a condition or situation and does not convey the idea of frequency or speed required in this context.
• wait: 'Wait' is a verb that does not fit grammatically or contextually, as it does not relate to the concept of frequency.
• great: 'Great' is an adjective that does not fit the grammatical structure needed here; it does not convey a measurable frequency.