Which of these is nearest in connotative meaning to the word cat?

kitty
stray
feline
tomcat

Which two elements does this excerpt from a christmas carol by charles dickens contain? "a small matter," said the ghost, “to make these silly folks so full of gratitude." "small! " echoed scrooge. the spirit signed to him to listen to the two apprentices, who were pouring out their hearts in praise of fezziwig: and when he had done so, said, "why! is it not? he has spent but a few pounds of your mortal money: three or four perhaps. is that so much that he deserves this praise? " "it isn’t that," said scrooge, heated by the remark, and speaking unconsciously like his former, not his latter, self. "it isn't that, spirit. he has the power to render us happy or unhappy; to make our service light or burdensome; a pleasure or a toil. say that his power lies in words and looks; in things so slight and insignificant that it is impossible to add and count ’em up: what then? the happiness he gives, is quite as great as if it cost a fortune." he felt the spirit's glance, and stopped. "what is the matter? " asked the ghost. "nothing particular," said scrooge. "something, i think? " the ghost insisted. "no," said scrooge, "no. i should like to be able to say a word or two to my clerk just now. that's all."

When i was four years old, my dad and i a tree in our front yard. it was a tiny, fragile sapling. he promised me that it would grow tall and strong, but he said that i had to be patient. until i turned 18 years old, dad and i it every year on my birthday. choose the words that correctly fill in the blanks.

Which statement best describes the use of the underlined word in the excerpts? in excerpt 1, it refers to personal growth, while in excerpt 2, it suggests the physical act of moving. in excerpt 1, it refers to personal growth, while in excerpt 2, it suggests scientific discoveries. in excerpt 1, it refers to societal advancement, while in excerpt 2, it suggests the gradual march of time. in excerpt 1, it refers to societal advancement, while in excerpt 2, it suggests steps toward a particular goal.