Question
Based on context clues in this paragraph, sparse most nearly means _The farmer’s diet was a sparse one, based on drinking beer and eating bread, a few vegetables, and some protein in the form of fish and eggs. The noble dief
was almost limitless: fancy fruits, deer, duck, cheese, butter, and honey. Nobles, however, might for religious reasons avoid eating pork and fish. The priests, who
offered up banquets of rich food and drink to the gods three times a day, ate the unconsumed food and ended up with blocked arteries, high blood pressure, and
premature heart attacks. So say their mummified remains.
Source: Paul Edward Dutton, et al. Mony Europes: Choice and Chance in Western Civilization, ie.
fatty, unhealthy
ilmited, meager
varied, interesting
delicious, enjoyable
was almost limitless: fancy fruits, deer, duck, cheese, butter, and honey. Nobles, however, might for religious reasons avoid eating pork and fish. The priests, who
offered up banquets of rich food and drink to the gods three times a day, ate the unconsumed food and ended up with blocked arteries, high blood pressure, and
premature heart attacks. So say their mummified remains.
Source: Paul Edward Dutton, et al. Mony Europes: Choice and Chance in Western Civilization, ie.
fatty, unhealthy
ilmited, meager
varied, interesting
delicious, enjoyable
Ask by Grant Morgan. in the United States
Mar 31,2025
Upstudy AI Solution
Tutor-Verified Answer
Answer
“sparse” most nearly means “limited” or “meager.”
Solution
Sign in to Unlock Answers for Free!
A Learning Platform Trusted by Millions of Real Students and Teachers.
Unlock Answered by UpStudy AI and reviewed by a Professional Tutor
Like
Mind Expander
The farmer’s diet being described as “sparse” suggests it consisted of very little variety and quantity compared to the luxurious feasts of the nobles. Thus, it implies a limited or meager selection of food. It highlights the stark contrast between the simple, humble meals of the farmer and the rich, abundant foods enjoyed by the upper class.
Additionally, this depiction opens a window into the societal structures of historical civilizations. Diets often reflected one’s social status, with nobility enjoying lavish banquets while common farmers had to make do with whatever was available, shaping dietary habits and health outcomes across generations. It’s a fascinating point of study for understanding class differences through food!
