All Exams Test series for 1 year @ ₹349 only
Question

Below a word is given followed by three sentences which consist of that word. Identify the sentence/s which best expresses the meaning of the word. Choose option 5 (None of these) if the word is not suitable in any of the sentences.

CALLOUS

A. Most small business employers aren't callous mongrels who sack workers unfairly or at the drop of a hat to gain a sense of power.

B. Treating people like pawns and playthings in your own private emotional board game is cruel and callous.

C. History paintings had to be grand and callous, with subjects drawn from the Bible, classical mythology and history.

This question was previously asked in
RBI Assistant Prelims Memory Based Paper (27 March 2022) (Shift 2)
The correct answer is

Both A and B

The question asks us to identify which sentences best express the meaning of the word "CALLOUS". Let's break down the meaning of "callous" and analyze each sentence.

Understanding the Meaning of CALLOUS

"Callous" typically means showing or having a cruel disregard for others; unfeeling or unsympathetic. It describes someone or something that is insensitive to the suffering of others.

Analyzing Sentence A

Sentence A states: "Most small business employers aren't callous mongrels who sack workers unfairly or at the drop of a hat to gain a sense of power."

In this sentence, "callous" is used to describe employers who might act unfairly towards workers without showing concern or empathy, especially when sacking them. This aligns with the meaning of being unfeeling and unsympathetic towards employees' situations. Therefore, sentence A uses the word "callous" appropriately to describe a lack of concern for others.

Analyzing Sentence B

Sentence B states: "Treating people like pawns and playthings in your own private emotional board game is cruel and callous."

Here, "callous" is used alongside "cruel" to describe behavior that treats people insensitively, like objects rather than individuals with feelings. This perfectly matches the definition of "callous" as being unfeeling and lacking empathy towards others. Sentence B correctly uses the word.

Analyzing Sentence C

Sentence C states: "History paintings had to be grand and callous, with subjects drawn from the Bible, classical mythology and history."

This sentence describes history paintings as "grand and callous". The term "callous" doesn't typically describe the nature of paintings or their subjects in terms of artistic style or grandeur. It refers to a lack of feeling or empathy, which is not a characteristic usually attributed to art itself in this manner. The word seems misused here, possibly intending a different adjective related to seriousness or historical accuracy, but not "callous".

Conclusion on CALLOUS Usage

Based on the analysis:

  • Sentence A uses "callous" correctly to describe employers who are unsympathetic towards workers.
  • Sentence B uses "callous" correctly to describe cruel and unfeeling behavior towards people.
  • Sentence C uses "callous" incorrectly in the context of describing history paintings.

Therefore, the sentences that best express the meaning of "callous" are A and B.

Looking at the options provided:

  • Option 1: Only C - Incorrect.
  • Option 2: Only A - Incorrect, B is also correct.
  • Option 3: Both A and B - Correct.
  • Option 4: Both B and C - Incorrect, C is incorrect.
  • Option 5: None of these - Incorrect.
Was this answer helpful?

Similar Questions

  1. Directions: Given below is a word, followed by three sentences that consist of that word. Identify the sentence(s) that express(es) the meaning of the word.

    SCALE

    A. We shall be making the product on a large scale next year.

    B. She has a scale complexion.

    C. The ruler has one scale in centimeters and one scale in inches.

  2. Directions: Given below is a word, followed by three sentences that consist of that word. Identify the sentence(s) that express(es) the meaning of the word.

    ISSUE

    A. He has taken a public stand on the issue of misuse of hospital funds.

    B. She wiped her nose with a issue.

    C. The authorities have begun to issue ration cards.

  3. Directions: Select the most appropriate word to fill in the blank.

    The long-term _______ of AAP is to replace Congress as the alternative pole to the BJP.

  4. Directions: Select the most appropriate word to fill in the blank.

    Bangladesh has also _______ as a top exporter in a cost-competitive global market.

  5. Directions: The given question has one blank indicating that something has been omitted. Choose the word for the given options that could fit in the blank correctly.

    The whole scheme was ______, to fail from the beginning.

  6. Directions: The given question has one blank indicating that something has been omitted. Choose the word for the given options that could fit in the blank correctly.

    The excess water started ______ forcefully through the waterway.

  7. Directions: The given question has one blank indicating that something has been omitted. Choose the word for the given options that could fit in the blank correctly.

    Its current was very _________ and could take away big tree trunks.

  8. Directions: In the following sentence, five words are given in bold, out of which one word is misspelled. Find the misspelled word.

    Mr. Putin’s purported(A) objective of ensuring(B) the security(C) of his country(D) will not be acheived(E).

  9. Directions: In the following sentence, four words are given in bold, out of which one word is misspelled. Find the misspelled word.

    It is a big blow for family(A) members to return without(B) being granted a meeting(C) after having incurred the necessary(D) time, travel, and other expanses(E).

  10. In the following question, a sentence is given with four words marked as (A), (B), (C) and (D). These words may or may not be placed in the correct order. Four options with different arrangements of these words have been provided. Mark the option with the correct arrangement as the answer. If no rearrangement is required, mark option (5) as your answer.

    The minister was not the pretended(A) man he virtuous(B) to be and was soon discharged(C) from his position because of immoral(D) behaviour.


Important Questions from Vocabulary

  1. Directions: Given below is a word, followed by three sentences that consist of that word. Identify the sentence(s) that express(es) the meaning of the word.

    SCALE

    A. We shall be making the product on a large scale next year.

    B. She has a scale complexion.

    C. The ruler has one scale in centimeters and one scale in inches.

  2. Directions: Given below is a word, followed by three sentences that consist of that word. Identify the sentence(s) that express(es) the meaning of the word.

    ISSUE

    A. He has taken a public stand on the issue of misuse of hospital funds.

    B. She wiped her nose with a issue.

    C. The authorities have begun to issue ration cards.

  3. Directions: Select the most appropriate word to fill in the blank.

    The long-term _______ of AAP is to replace Congress as the alternative pole to the BJP.

  4. Directions: Select the most appropriate word to fill in the blank.

    Bangladesh has also _______ as a top exporter in a cost-competitive global market.

  5. Directions: The given question has one blank indicating that something has been omitted. Choose the word for the given options that could fit in the blank correctly.

    The whole scheme was ______, to fail from the beginning.

Need Expert Advice?
Upcoming Exams
SBI Clerk
September 26, 2026
IBPS RRB
November 21, 2026
IBPS RRB Clerk
December 06, 2026
Test Series
RBI Assistant img
Banking
RBI Assistant (Pre & mains) 2026 Mock Test Series
190 Tests 1 Tests Free
4682 Attempts
4.7(28)
English, Hindi
More Questions from RBI Assistant

Start Your Preparation with Prepp Mobile App

Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Prepp Mobile App