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Question

Choose the best synonym of the given word from the options given below.

CONGENIAL

The correct answer is

Cordial

Understanding the Word Congenial and Finding its Synonym

The question asks for the best synonym of the word CONGENIAL from the given options. A synonym is a word or phrase that means exactly or nearly the same as another word or phrase in the same language.

Meaning of Congenial

The word CONGENIAL is an adjective that describes something pleasant and friendly. It can refer to a person, a place, or an environment that is agreeable because it suits one's taste or nature.

  • A congenial person is someone easy to get along with, friendly, and agreeable.
  • A congenial atmosphere or environment is pleasant and comfortable.

Analyzing the Options

Let's look at the meaning of each option to find the best synonym for CONGENIAL:

  1. Cordial: This word means warm and friendly. It often describes behaviour or feelings towards others, like a cordial welcome or cordial relations.
  2. Harsh: This word means unpleasant, rough, or severe, often in a way that is cruel or unkind. It is the opposite of pleasant or friendly.
  3. Hateful: This word describes something that is full of hate or causes hate. It is strongly negative and the opposite of friendly or agreeable.
  4. Unfriendly: This word means not friendly. It describes someone or something that is not kind, welcoming, or easy to get along with. This is an antonym of CONGENIAL.

Identifying the Best Synonym for Congenial

Comparing the meanings, 'Cordial' means warm and friendly, which is very close to the meaning of CONGENIAL (pleasant and friendly, agreeable). The other options ('Harsh', 'Hateful', 'Unfriendly') are all opposites or antonyms of CONGENIAL.

Therefore, 'Cordial' is the best synonym for CONGENIAL among the given options.

Revision Table: Synonyms and Antonyms

Word Meaning Synonym (from options) Antonyms (examples)
CONGENIAL Pleasant, friendly, agreeable, suitable to one's taste or nature. Cordial Unfriendly, Harsh, Hateful, Disagreeable, Unpleasant
Cordial Warm and friendly. CONGENIAL (in context) Unfriendly, Hostile
Harsh Unpleasant, severe, cruel. Gentle, Kind, Pleasant
Hateful Full of hate, causing hate. Loving, Likable, Agreeable
Unfriendly Not friendly. Friendly, Cordial, Congenial

Additional Information: Using Congenial and Cordial

While 'Congenial' and 'Cordial' are synonyms and often interchangeable when describing a friendly person or atmosphere, there can be subtle differences in usage:

  • Congenial often implies suitability or agreement, fitting well with one's personality or preferences. For example, "He found the new environment congenial" means the environment suited him and was pleasant.
  • Cordial primarily focuses on warmth and friendliness in interactions. For example, "They had a cordial meeting" means the meeting was friendly and polite.

In the context of simply finding a synonym that means 'friendly' and 'pleasant', 'Cordial' is the most appropriate choice from the given options for CONGENIAL.

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Important Questions from Synonyms or Antonyms

  1. Directions: Each item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four options, (a), (b), (c) and (d). Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response accordingly.

    He had the audacity to blame him.

  2. Directions: Each item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four options, (a), (b), (c) and (d). Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response accordingly.

    There is exponential growth in the development of the scientific researches in the recent few decades.

  3. Directions : Item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words/group of words (a), (b), (c) and (d). Select the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response in the Answer Sheet accordingly.

    The itinerary of the group’s visit to the hills was given to everyone. 

  4. Directions : Item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words/group of words (a), (b), (c) and (d). Select the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response in the Answer Sheet accordingly.

    All mortal elements are impermanent.

  5. Directions : Item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words (a), (b), (c) and (d). Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response in the Answer Sheet accordingly.

    The novel depicts the hapless status of certain sections of society.  

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