Meaning: 'Understand' means to grasp the meaning, significance, or nature of something, indicating that Westerners have a comprehension of Hokusai's artistry.

Wrong options:

• disturb: 'Disturb' implies causing disruption or anxiety, which does not fit the positive sentiment of appreciation in this context.
• respect: While 'respect' could fit, it does not follow the verb 'like' correctly in this structure, as 'like' is typically followed by a verb in its base form.
• allow: 'Allow' suggests permission, which is unrelated to the context of appreciation for an artist.

Correct answer: restless

Explanation: The adjective 'restless' describes someone who is unable to remain still or quiet, which fits well with the context of Hokusai's unpredictable nature. It also matches grammatically as it describes the noun 'man' appropriately.

Meaning: 'Restless' means unable to relax or be still, indicating Hokusai's dynamic and ever-changing lifestyle.

Wrong options:

• reliable: 'Reliable' suggests dependability, which contradicts the context of unpredictability described in the passage.
• sensible: 'Sensible' implies being practical and reasonable, which does not align with the idea of a man who frequently changed his name and lived in many houses.
• consistent: 'Consistent' indicates steadiness, which is the opposite of the unpredictable nature described.

Correct answer: at least

Explanation: The phrase 'at least' indicates a minimum number, which is appropriate here as it suggests that Hokusai changed his name a minimum of 30 times, fitting grammatically and contextually.

Meaning: 'At least' means a minimum of or no fewer than, emphasizing the frequency of Hokusai's name changes.

Wrong options:

• at best: 'At best' implies the most favorable interpretation, which does not fit the context of stating a minimum number of name changes.
• the least: 'The least' suggests the smallest amount, which is not appropriate in this context where a minimum is being stated.
• mostly: 'Mostly' indicates the majority of something, which does not convey the idea of a minimum number.

Correct answer: for

Explanation: The preposition 'for' is used to indicate a duration of time, making it grammatically correct in this context. It suggests that Hokusai did not paint in one style for an extended period, aligning well with the overall meaning.

Meaning: 'For' in this context indicates the duration of time, suggesting that Hokusai's painting styles were not sustained over long periods.

Wrong options:

• through: 'Through' suggests movement from one side to another, which does not fit the context of time duration.
• over: While 'over' can indicate duration, it does not fit as naturally as 'for' in this specific context.
• at: 'At' does not convey the sense of duration needed here and is grammatically incorrect in this structure.

Correct answer: chasing

Explanation: The gerund 'chasing' fits grammatically as it follows 'stop' correctly, indicating an ongoing action. Contextually, it suggests that Hokusai was continuously pursuing new ideas or inspirations.

Meaning: 'Chasing' means to pursue or follow something, indicating Hokusai's active search for new artistic expressions.

Wrong options:

• have chased: 'Have chased' is in the present perfect tense, which does not fit after 'stop' in this context.
• to chase: 'To chase' is an infinitive form, which is not appropriate after 'stop' in this structure.
• being chased: 'Being chased' implies being pursued by someone else, which is not relevant to the context of Hokusai's actions.