Meaning: 'Suggested' means proposed or recommended, indicating that the tip amounts are not mandatory but rather offered as options for the customer to consider.

Wrong options:

• combined: 'Combined' refers to something that is joined together, which does not fit the context of presenting tip amounts as it implies a merging rather than a recommendation.
• exceptional: 'Exceptional' means outstanding or unusual, which does not apply to the standard tip amounts typically offered in this scenario.
• rigorous: 'Rigorous' means strict or demanding, which is not suitable here as it does not convey the idea of offering options for tips.

Correct answer: shift

Explanation: The word 'shift' is appropriate as it indicates a change in the way costs are managed, specifically moving the responsibility of compensating workers from the business to the customers. This aligns with the context of the sentence, which discusses how technology has enabled this change.

Meaning: 'Shift' means to change or move from one position to another, indicating a transition in how costs are handled in the tipping process.

Wrong options:

• abide: 'Abide' means to accept or act in accordance with, which does not fit the context of changing the way costs are managed.
• covet: 'Covet' means to desire something that belongs to someone else, which is irrelevant in this context of cost management.
• diverge: 'Diverge' means to separate or move in different directions, which does not accurately describe the action of changing how costs are passed on to customers.

Correct answer: afloat

Explanation: The word 'afloat' is suitable as it conveys the idea of keeping businesses operational during challenging times. It fits grammatically and contextually, as the sentence discusses the encouragement to tip generously to support restaurants and stores.

Meaning: 'Afloat' means to remain in a state of operation or survival, particularly in a financial context, suggesting that tips helped keep businesses running during the pandemic.

Wrong options:

• overlapped: 'Overlapped' means to cover part of something, which does not relate to the context of maintaining business operations.
• affable: 'Affable' means friendly or easy to talk to, which is not relevant to the context of financial survival.
• concise: 'Concise' means brief and to the point, which does not fit the context of discussing the operational status of businesses.

Correct answer: replace

Explanation: The word 'replace' is appropriate as it indicates the action of substituting old cash tip jars with new technology. This fits both grammatically and contextually, as the sentence discusses the transition to digital payments.

Meaning: 'Replace' means to take the place of something, indicating that the old cash tip jars are being substituted with tablet touch screens.

Wrong options:

• exchange: 'Exchange' implies a reciprocal trade, which does not fit the context of simply substituting one item for another without a direct trade.
• occupy: 'Occupy' means to take up space or time, which does not convey the idea of substitution in this context.
• retrieve: 'Retrieve' means to get something back, which does not apply to the action of changing from one system to another.