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FERDINAND

O heaven, O earth, bear witness to this sound
And crown what I profess with kind event
If I speak true! if hollowly, invert
What best is boded me to mischief!!
Beyond all limit of what else i' the world
Do love, prize, honour you.
What is the meaning of hollowly, as used in this passage?
A. Sincerely
B. Falsely
c. Quietly
D. Unknowingly​

1 Answer

3 votes

Final answer:

In the passage, 'hollowly' means to speak falsely or without sincerity, which is evident from Ferdinand's plea for his true words to be blessed and his insincere words to lead to misfortune.

Step-by-step explanation:

The term 'hollowly' as used in the passage from the play refers to speaking in a way that lacks sincerity or truth. Ferdinand is pleading to the heavens to bless his intentions if he speaks truly or to turn his luck to misfortune if he speaks without sincerity. Therefore, the correct meaning of 'hollowly' in this context is 'falsely'. The reference to hollow speech also implies a lack of depth or substance, as if the words are empty and not supported by genuine feeling or truth.

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