Meaning of "a violent shower"

[Garsan]

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #76 "Christmas Postman (3)", question 6

Once out in the open air I experienced a violent ......... but soon the sun came out.

(a) wet
(b) raining
(c) rains
(d) shower

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #76 "Christmas Postman (3)", answer 6

Once out in the open air I experienced a violent shower but soon the sun came out.

Correct answer: (d) shower

Your answer was: incorrect
Once out in the open air I experienced a violent rains but soon the sun came out.
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What does 'a violent shower' mean?

Garsan

[Alan]

Hi,

A shower is a short period of rainfall. Violent means very sudden and strong and in the sense of rain it would mean very heavy.

Alan
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English as a Second Language
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