Final answer:
The word that best matches 'weaken' among the given options is 'dwindle' (option b), as it means to diminish gradually in strength or size. The other options, 'fade', 'tire', and 'droop' have different meanings such as losing color, feeling the need for rest, and hanging downwards, respectively.
Step-by-step explanation:
The word "weaken" means to reduce in strength or effectiveness. When considering the options provided, the word that best matches "weaken" is b) dwindle, which means to diminish gradually in size, amount, or strength. The other options, such as fade, equate more to a loss of color or intensity; tire is to feel in need of rest; and droop is to hang or bend downwards.
Here is how you might see "weaken" used in relation to the different contexts provided:
- a. The pattern is colorful. b. The pattern is faded.
- c. The pattern is sharper.
- d. The pattern is curved.
In the context of the sentences, "fade" corresponds to loss of color, not necessarily a weakening of physical strength or power.
Another example of using weaken is in the exercise:
- Underline the letter(s) that spell b in each of the following words:
None of these uses directly reflect the meaning of "weaken," but they provide instances where the letter 'b' is used, which doesn't relate to the concept of becoming weak or losing strength.