260. The word spread that the president came down with lung cancer. Which of the following has the same meaning as the underlined word?
The problem of global warming is serious. ______, the sea levels have risen a little.
At the beginning of class, the noise of desks ______ could be heard outside the classroom.
Yesterday morning he got up earlier than ______, for it was not a(n) ______ day.
The medical reform in that country turns out to be ______ failure, but as we know, success often comes after ______ failure.
Having a trip abroad is certainly good for the old couple, but it remains ______ whether they will enjoy it.