The west yet glimmers with some streaks of day: Now spurs the lated traveller apace, To gain the timely inn; and near approaches The subject of our watch. Which of the following correctly describes how the word gain is used here? It suggests an increase of some value. It suggests earning something. It suggests reaching a place. It suggests something owned.

English · High School · Thu Feb 04 2021

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In the given context, the word "gain" is used to suggest reaching a place. This can be inferred from the phrase "To gain the timely inn," which means the traveler is hurrying to reach the inn before it gets too late.

Extra: The word "gain" can have several meanings depending on the context in which it is used:

1. An Increase of Some Value: This is often used in a context where you are discussing profit or growth in numerical terms, such as money, weight, or volume. For example: "The company gained a 20% increase in profits this quarter."

2. Earning Something: This meaning implies that something was obtained through work or effort. For example: "She gained respect from her peers through her dedication to the project."

3. Reaching a Place: As in the original question, this usage of "gain" indicates that the objective is to arrive at a certain location. This usage is somewhat more formal or literary.

4. Something Owned: This meaning of "gain" implies ownership, but it is not common to use "gain" in this sense in modern English. More often, this idea is expressed by using the word "own" or "possess".

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