Read the following excerpt from Theodore Dreiser's "My Brother Paul." Based on its context, what is the meaning of the word "lithesome"? Imagine, if you will, a man weighing 300 pounds, no taller than 5 feet 10 and a half inches, yet with such a lithesome build that he did not appear excessively heavy or slow. His exuberant and radiant temperament depicted him as intelligent, eager, optimistic, emotional, and full of illusions, with a warmth so reminiscent of a collie that he commanded interest and admiration. Though easily disheartened by trivialities at times, for the most part, he was spirited, lively, emotional, and sentimental to the extent that even the sternest intellectual gloom couldn't resist his smile. A. nimble B. smooth C. disordered D. enlightened E. active

A. nimble

In the given excerpt from Theodore Dreiser's "My Brother Paul," the word "lithesome" is used to describe someone's build, suggesting a certain agility or grace despite his significant weight. Among the options provided, "nimble" is the best fit as it refers to being light and quick in movement, which aligns with the context wherein the individual does not appear "excessively heavy or slow" despite his large size.

Extra: The word "lithesome" is an adjective that is not as commonly used nowadays as it was in the past. It might be described as an elegant and somewhat old-fashioned word implying a combination of flexibility, gracefulness, and ease of movement. The roots of the word are in "lithe," which means flexible or supple, often applied to describe a body that is capable of bending easily without breaking or a person who can move gracefully. In a broader context, the word "lithesome" can be applied to anything that displays these qualities, not just a person's build. It can be used to describe movements, bodies, or even abstract things like ideas, if they possess qualities like grace, fluidity, or agility. Understanding the word "lithesome" and its proper use can provide a richer understanding of language and literature for students and can enhance their descriptive vocabulary.