Meaning: 'Remedies' refer to treatments or solutions for health issues or ailments.

Wrong options:

• recipes: 'Recipes' refer to instructions for preparing food, which does not fit the context of treating disorders.
• aids: 'Aids' generally imply assistance or support, but it does not specifically denote treatments for medical conditions as 'remedies' does.
• doses: 'Doses' refer to specific amounts of medication, which does not align with the broader concept of treatments for various disorders.

Correct answer: powers

Explanation: The term 'powers' is appropriate here as it refers to the effectiveness or capabilities of something, in this case, the medicinal qualities of rhino horn. It fits grammatically and contextually, as the sentence discusses the lack of proven medicinal effects.

Meaning: 'Powers' in this context means the abilities or effectiveness of something, particularly in a medicinal sense.

Wrong options:

• capacity: 'Capacity' refers to the ability to hold or contain something, which does not directly relate to medicinal effectiveness.
• values: 'Values' imply worth or importance, which does not fit the context of discussing medicinal qualities.
• control: 'Control' suggests the ability to manage or direct something, which is not relevant to the medicinal properties being discussed.

Correct answer: regarded

Explanation: The word 'regarded' fits grammatically as it is the past participle of 'regard,' used here to indicate how traditional substitutes are viewed. It aligns with the context of the sentence, which discusses perceptions of these substitutes.

Meaning: 'Regarded' means considered or viewed in a particular way, indicating how these substitutes are perceived in comparison to rhino horn.

Wrong options:

• vagued: 'Vagued' is not a standard form and does not fit grammatically or contextually; it implies lack of clarity, which is not relevant here.
• known: 'Known' suggests familiarity but lacks the evaluative aspect that 'regarded' provides in terms of perception.
• reputed: 'Reputed' implies a general belief but does not convey the same level of consideration as 'regarded' does.

Correct answer: thought

Explanation: The word 'thought' is appropriate as it indicates a belief or opinion about the battle being winnable. It fits grammatically and contextually, as it reflects a common perception or belief.

Meaning: 'Thought' refers to an idea or belief held by someone, indicating how people perceive the battle's outcome.

Wrong options:

• imagined: 'Imagined' suggests something that is not real or is a fantasy, which does not fit the context of a belief about reality.
• dreamed: 'Dreamed' implies a wishful thinking aspect, which does not align with the serious tone of the sentence regarding the battle.
• viewed: 'Viewed' suggests a perspective but lacks the depth of belief that 'thought' conveys in this context.

Correct answer: difference

Explanation: The word 'difference' fits grammatically and contextually as it indicates a distinction between two items, in this case, rhino horn and ivory. It aligns with the sentence's discussion of contrasting commodities.

Meaning: 'Difference' refers to the way in which two or more things are not the same, highlighting the contrast between ivory and rhino horn.

Wrong options:

• variation: 'Variation' implies a change or difference but does not convey the clear distinction that 'difference' does in this context.
• gap: 'Gap' suggests a space or interval, which does not accurately describe the relationship between the two commodities.
• comparison: 'Comparison' refers to the act of evaluating similarities and differences, which does not fit as a noun in this context.