The astrophysicist argues that our books and films about int
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19 Aug 2021, 21:04
The astrophysicist argues that our books and films about interstellar space travel are a form of mass _________, and that only a miracle on a scale heretofore unseen could allow a human being to voyage to even the closest star in another solar system.
The second half of the sentence after the comma states that only a miracle of great proportions can allow a human being to travel to even the closest star. It is in other words, indirectly stating that it is almost impossible to get there. The phrase "and that only a miracle" implies that the view of interstellar space travel expressed in books and films is not realistic.
My own word for the blank is a "belief in unrealism".
The correct word from the choices is delusion - which is belief maintained despite being contradicted by reality.
The choice dementia is a term used to describe a group of symptoms affecting memory, thinking and social abilities severely enough to interfere with your daily life. This definitely not the term we are looking for, though it comes close and one may be tempted to choose it.
The choice hysteria refers to an exaggerated or uncontrollable emotion or excitement. This not the word we are looking for. So we reject it as well.
Choice B - delusion is the correct word.