Meaning: 'Irreverent' means showing a lack of respect for things that are generally taken seriously.

Wrong options:

• multiple: The word 'multiple' is an adjective that indicates more than one, which does not fit the context of describing the nature of children in this sentence.
• artificial: 'Artificial' refers to something made or produced by human beings rather than occurring naturally, which does not appropriately describe children in this context.
• lost: 'Lost' is an adjective that implies something has been misplaced or is no longer found, which does not fit the intended meaning regarding children's behavior.
• boarding-house: 'Boarding-house' is a noun referring to a place providing meals and lodging, which does not relate to the description of children.
• restaurant: 'Restaurant' is a noun that refers to a place where meals are served, which is irrelevant to the context of describing children's behavior.

Correct answer: lost

Explanation: The term 'lost' is used here as an adjective to describe motives that have been forgotten or are no longer present. It fits grammatically and contextually, as it aligns with the theme of forgotten ideals and purposes in modern home life.

Meaning: 'Lost' means no longer possessed or no longer able to be found; in this context, it refers to motives that are no longer recognized or valued.

Wrong options:

• irreverent: 'Irreverent' describes a lack of respect, which does not fit the context of describing motives that have been forgotten.
• multiple: 'Multiple' indicates many, which does not apply to the singular concept of motives in this context.
• artificial: 'Artificial' refers to something made by humans, which does not relate to the idea of motives being forgotten.
• boarding-house: 'Boarding-house' is a noun that does not relate to the concept of motives and is irrelevant in this context.
• economic: 'Economic' pertains to the economy or financial matters, which does not fit the description of motives.

Correct answer: boarding-house

Explanation: The term 'boarding-house' is a noun that describes a place providing lodging and meals, which fits the context of a home that has become merely a place for sleeping and self-indulgence. It aligns grammatically as a noun that completes the thought about the nature of modern homes.

Meaning: 'Boarding-house' refers to a type of accommodation where meals are provided, emphasizing the lack of warmth and family in modern homes.

Wrong options:

• irreverent: 'Irreverent' is an adjective that does not fit as it does not describe a type of dwelling or home.
• multiple: 'Multiple' is an adjective indicating many, which does not apply to the singular concept of a home.
• lost: 'Lost' is an adjective that does not describe a type of dwelling and is irrelevant in this context.
• economic: 'Economic' is an adjective that pertains to financial matters, which does not fit the description of a home.
• restaurant: 'Restaurant' is a noun that refers to a place where meals are served, which does not fit the context of describing a home.

Correct answer: economic

Explanation: The word 'economic' serves as an adjective that describes parameters related to the economy or financial aspects. It fits grammatically and contextually, as it contrasts with the emotional and relational aspects of home and family life.

Meaning: 'Economic' relates to the economy, finances, or the management of resources, emphasizing the financial aspects of family life.

Wrong options:

• irreverent: 'Irreverent' is an adjective that does not pertain to parameters and is irrelevant in this context.
• multiple: 'Multiple' is an adjective indicating many, which does not fit the singular concept of parameters in this context.
• lost: 'Lost' is an adjective that does not describe parameters and is irrelevant in this context.
• boarding-house: 'Boarding-house' is a noun that does not relate to the concept of parameters and is irrelevant here.
• restaurant: 'Restaurant' is a noun that refers to a place where meals are served, which does not fit the context of discussing family parameters.