The instructor says to Brooke and Bianca, "You look tired." Although they both understand the words, Brooke takes this to mean a
comforting message and Bianca believes she has been criticized. These two women have heard the same words, but they attached differing ___________ to these words. a. symbols
b. settings
c. goals
d. meanings
The interpretation or meanings that one attributes to a particular word or phrase is highly determined by the knowledge he/she possesses and their sensitivity.
In the given example, the statement 'you look tired' was common to both the women and the words remain same for both however the 'meanings' they attributed to it lead to varied interpretation and understanding of the words. Their sensibility differs from each other and thus, Brook finds it comforting while Bianca takes it as 'criticism'. Thus, <u>option D</u> is the correct answer.
