Meaning: 'Propagated' means to spread or promote an idea or theory widely.

Wrong options:

• discovered: 'Discovered' implies finding something new, which does not fit as Veblen did not find the theory but rather spread it.
• initiated: 'Initiated' suggests starting something, but Veblen's role was more about spreading an existing theory rather than starting it.
• visualized: 'Visualized' means to form a mental image, which does not accurately describe Veblen's contribution to consumerism.

Correct answer: reached

Explanation: The verb 'reached' is appropriate here as it indicates that the new appliances arrived at or became available in American houses. It fits grammatically and contextually, maintaining the past tense consistent with the surrounding text.

Meaning: 'Reached' means to arrive at a destination or to achieve a certain point, in this case, referring to appliances entering homes.

Wrong options:

• placed: 'Placed' suggests putting something in a specific location, which does not convey the idea of appliances becoming widespread in homes.
• kept: 'Kept' implies maintaining possession, which does not fit the context of appliances entering households.
• introduced: 'Introduced' means to bring something into use for the first time, but the context suggests that these appliances had already become common.

Correct answer: disparity

Explanation: The term 'disparity' refers to a significant difference or inequality, which is fitting in the context of the differences between urban and rural America. It aligns grammatically and contextually with the sentence structure.

Meaning: 'Disparity' means a great difference or inequality, particularly in terms of social or economic conditions.

Wrong options:

• notion: 'Notion' refers to an idea or belief, which does not fit the context of differences between urban and rural areas.
• ill feeling: 'Ill feeling' suggests animosity or resentment, which is not relevant to the context of social or economic differences.
• consistency: 'Consistency' implies uniformity or stability, which contradicts the idea of differences between the two regions.

Correct answer: supervision

Explanation: The word 'supervision' fits well as it refers to the act of overseeing or managing someone, which aligns with the context of children escaping parental control. It maintains grammatical consistency with the sentence structure.

Meaning: 'Supervision' means the act of watching over or managing someone, particularly in a protective or controlling manner.

Wrong options:

• interference: 'Interference' implies unwanted involvement, which does not accurately describe the protective nature of parental oversight.
• care: 'Care' suggests concern or attention, but it does not convey the controlling aspect implied in the context.
• help: 'Help' indicates assistance, which does not fit the context of children escaping parental oversight.

Correct answer: sacrifice

Explanation: The word 'sacrifice' is appropriate as it indicates giving up something valuable for a greater purpose, which fits the context of people prioritizing cars over other necessities. It aligns grammatically and contextually with the sentence.

Meaning: 'Sacrifice' means to give up something important or valuable for the sake of something else.

Wrong options:

• save: 'Save' implies keeping something for future use, which contradicts the idea of giving up resources to buy a car.
• skip: 'Skip' suggests omitting something, which does not convey the idea of giving up resources.
• take: 'Take' implies acquiring something, which does not fit the context of giving up other necessities.