Meaning: 'Following' means 'after' or 'subsequent to,' indicating that existentialism became prominent in the years after World War II.

Wrong options:

• next: 'Next' implies something immediately after in a sequence, which does not fit the context of a specific time period after an event.
• posting: 'Posting' is not relevant in this context as it typically refers to sending something or a job position, lacking the temporal meaning needed here.
• hereafter: 'Hereafter' refers to a time in the future, which does not accurately describe the years immediately after World War II.

Correct answer: make

Explanation: The verb 'make' is the correct choice as it is commonly used in the context of decisions and choices, fitting grammatically and contextually with the sentence structure. It indicates the act of creating or forming decisions.

Meaning: 'Make' means to create or form something, in this case, the choices that define a person's identity.

Wrong options:

• set: 'Set' implies establishing something in a fixed position, which does not convey the active process of decision-making as effectively as 'make.'
• give: 'Give' suggests providing something to someone else, which does not align with the context of personal choices being made by the individual.
• take: 'Take' can imply accepting or receiving, but it does not convey the proactive nature of creating choices as 'make' does.

Correct answer: predetermined

Explanation: The term 'predetermined' fits well as it describes something that is decided in advance, aligning with the philosophical context of essence being fixed before existence. It is grammatically correct as an adjective modifying 'essence.'

Meaning: 'Predetermined' means established or decided in advance, suggesting that existentialists reject the idea that one's essence is fixed before they exist.

Wrong options:

• methodological: 'Methodological' relates to methods or procedures, which does not fit the philosophical context of essence.
• adequate: 'Adequate' means sufficient or acceptable, which does not convey the idea of something being fixed or decided beforehand.
• transient: 'Transient' refers to something temporary or fleeting, which contradicts the idea of a fixed essence.

Correct answer: overarching

Explanation: The word 'overarching' is appropriate as it describes a comprehensive or all-encompassing meaning or purpose, fitting grammatically as an adjective modifying 'meaning.' It aligns with the existentialist view of rejecting a singular, divine purpose.

Meaning: 'Overarching' means comprehensive or all-encompassing, indicating that existentialists do not believe in a single, universal meaning provided by a higher power.

Wrong options:

• bulky: 'Bulky' refers to something large or cumbersome, which does not relate to the concept of meaning or purpose.
• incidental: 'Incidental' means secondary or minor, which does not capture the idea of a significant or overarching meaning.
• conditional: 'Conditional' implies something dependent on certain conditions, which does not fit the existentialist rejection of a predetermined purpose.

Correct answer: burden

Explanation: The term 'burden' is fitting as it conveys the weight of responsibility placed on individuals to make choices, aligning with the existentialist theme of personal responsibility. It is grammatically correct as a noun in this context.

Meaning: 'Burden' refers to a heavy load or responsibility, indicating that individuals carry the weight of their choices and life direction.

Wrong options:

• spectacle: 'Spectacle' refers to something visually striking or impressive, which does not relate to the concept of personal responsibility.
• echo: 'Echo' implies a repetition or reflection of sound, which does not fit the context of responsibility in decision-making.
• career: 'Career' refers to a profession or occupation, which does not convey the weight of personal responsibility as effectively as 'burden.'