Words in Context

SAT Reading and Writing· difficulty 4/5

The court's reasoning rests on a fine but consequential distinction between liability and responsibility. One can be liable for harm, the justices observe, without being morally responsible for it — and the law sometimes has reason to insist on the difference.

As used in the text, what does the word "fine" most nearly mean?

  • A

    subtle

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  • B

    satisfactory

  • C

    of high quality

  • D

    monetary penalty

Explanation

The distinction is subtle but important; "fine" means subtle, not high-quality, a penalty, or "satisfactory."

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