Choose the option nearest in meaning to the underlined word(s).The Executive Secretary has just assumed office?
Answer Details
The option nearest in meaning to the underlined word "assumed office" is "started work."
The phrase "assumed office" means that someone has officially taken on a new position or role. When someone "assumes office," it suggests that they have taken over responsibilities from someone else who previously held the position. Therefore, "started work" is the option nearest in meaning to "assumed office" because it indicates that the person has just started working in their new role.
The other options are not the best fit for the sentence. "Resumed work" implies that the person had previously stopped working and then returned to work. "Returned" does not convey the official nature of assuming office. Finally, "been sworn in" refers specifically to a legal or official ceremony, which may not always be the case when someone assumes office.