Direction: Read the following stanza carefully and answer the questions that follow it:

Break, break, break,
On thy cold gray stones, O Sea !
And I would that my tongue could utter
The thoughts that arise in me.

What is the meaning of the word 'utter'?

Question

Direction: Read the following stanza carefully and answer the questions that follow it:

Break, break, break,
    On thy cold gray stones, O Sea !
And I would that my tongue could utter
    The thoughts that arise in me.

What is the meaning of the word 'utter'?

Accepted Answer

**Explanation:**

The question asks for the meaning of the word 'utter' as used in the stanza: "And I would that my tongue could utter / The thoughts that arise in me."

**Justification for Option 2 (Speak):**

*   **Definition of 'utter':** The primary meaning of 'utter' as a verb is to make a sound with one's voice, to speak, or to express (a thought or feeling) in words.
*   **Contextual Clues:** The line "I would that my tongue could utter / The thoughts that arise in me" clearly indicates a desire to express or voice the thoughts. A 'tongue' is the organ used for speaking, and 'thoughts' are typically conveyed through speech or written words. Therefore, the speaker wishes to articulate or speak their thoughts.
*   **Logical Reasoning:** If one's tongue could 'utter' thoughts, it means the tongue would be used to give voice to those thoughts, which is precisely what 'speak' means.

**Why other options are incorrect:**

*   **1. Stifle:** To 'stifle' means to suppress, prevent, or hold back. If the speaker's tongue were to stifle thoughts, it would mean preventing them from being expressed, which is the opposite of the speaker's desire to express the thoughts that arise.
*   **3. Suppress:** To 'suppress' means to forcibly put an end to, or to prevent the development, action, or expression of something. Similar to 'stifle', suppressing thoughts means holding them back or not allowing them to be spoken, which contradicts the intent of the line.
*   **4. Silence:** To 'silence' means to make quiet or to stop from speaking or making noise. If the tongue were to silence thoughts, it would mean preventing them from being voiced, which is the antithesis of the speaker's wish to express them.

Therefore, based on the definition of the word and its usage in the given context, 'utter' most accurately means 'speak' or express in words.