Meaning: 'Feeding' refers to the act of giving food to someone or something, implying that Rory could benefit from more nourishment.

Wrong options:

• nourishing: 'Nourishing' is an adjective and does not fit grammatically as a verb in this context.
• fleshing: 'Fleshing' is not commonly used in this context and implies adding flesh, which is less idiomatic than 'feeding.'
• broadening: 'Broadening' suggests making something wider or more extensive, which does not relate to the context of needing nourishment.

Correct answer: note

Explanation: The word 'note' fits well as it indicates a small amount or degree of jealousy, which is contextually appropriate given the conversation about Rory's achievements.

Meaning: 'Note' in this context means a small amount or degree, suggesting that there might be a slight feeling of jealousy.

Wrong options:

• vein: 'Vein' refers to a channel for blood or a particular quality, which does not fit the context of jealousy.
• pinch: 'Pinch' implies a small amount but is more commonly used in a physical sense, making it less suitable here.
• speck: 'Speck' suggests a tiny spot or particle, which does not convey the emotional nuance of jealousy effectively.

Correct answer: wrong

Explanation: The word 'wrong' is the most appropriate choice as it directly addresses the possibility of having made an error, fitting both grammatically and contextually.

Meaning: 'Wrong' means incorrect or not right, which aligns with Ken's concern about his memory.

Wrong options:

• mistaken: 'Mistaken' is a past participle that does not fit the structure of the sentence as smoothly as 'wrong.'
• amiss: 'Amiss' suggests something is not quite right but is less commonly used in casual conversation, making it less fitting here.
• awry: 'Awry' means away from the expected course, which does not directly address the question of whether Ken's memory is incorrect.

Correct answer: grief

Explanation: The word 'grief' fits well in the context as it conveys a sense of exasperation or frustration, which matches the tone of Ken's statement.

Meaning: 'Grief' refers to deep sorrow, but in this context, it is used humorously to express Ken's surprise at his own wit.

Wrong options:

• grace: 'Grace' refers to elegance or courteous goodwill, which does not fit the emotional tone of the sentence.
• faith: 'Faith' implies trust or belief, which is unrelated to the context of Ken's realization about his wit.
• sake: 'Sake' refers to the purpose of something, which does not convey the emotional nuance needed in this context.

Correct answer: welcome

Explanation: The word 'welcome' is appropriate as it conveys a sense of acceptance or permission, fitting the informal tone of the dialogue.

Meaning: 'Welcome' means to be received with pleasure or to be allowed to do something, indicating that Ken is open to Rory's comments.

Wrong options:

• warranted: 'Warranted' means justified or deserved, which does not fit the context of a casual conversation.
• spared: 'Spared' implies being saved from something unpleasant, which does not relate to the context of the dialogue.
• disposable: 'Disposable' suggests something that can be thrown away, which is not relevant to the context of acceptance in this conversation.