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Question

Directions: In the following items similar sounding words are given, followed by sentences wherein in each sentence one of these words has been used, and underlined. You are required to identify those sentences in which these words have been used most appropriately and mark your response in the Answer Sheet accordingly.

Dairy, Dreary, Diary
1. She quietly stored all her sacred memories in her private dairy.
2. The proceedings of the meeting went on and on and were quite dreary.
3. They always bought their milk products from the local diary.
In which of the sentences given above has/have the words been used correctly?

This question was previously asked in
CDS 2 2025 Maths Question Paper (14-Sep-2025)
The correct answer is
2 only

Word Meanings: Dairy, Dreary, Diary

This question tests our ability to differentiate between similar-sounding words and use them appropriately in context. Let's break down the meanings of the words provided: Dairy, Dreary, and Diary.

Similar Sounding Words Explained

  • Dairy: This word refers to a place where milk is produced or processed, or to products made from milk (like cheese, butter, yogurt). For example, "We get fresh milk from the local dairy."
  • Dreary: This adjective describes something that is dull, bleak, monotonous, or depressing. For example, "The weather was dreary all day."
  • Diary: This word refers to a book or journal where one records personal events, thoughts, and experiences, typically on a daily basis. For example, "She wrote her feelings in her diary."

Sentence Usage Analysis

Now, let's examine each sentence to see if the underlined word is used correctly based on its meaning.

Sentence 1: Dairy Usage Analysis

Sentence: "She quietly stored all her sacred memories in her private dairy."

Word Used: $dairy$

Explanation: Sacred memories are personal thoughts and experiences that are typically recorded in a journal. A diary is used for this purpose. A dairy is related to milk products. Therefore, the word dairy is used incorrectly in this sentence. It should have been diary.

Sentence 2: Dreary Usage Analysis

Sentence: "The proceedings of the meeting went on and on and were quite dreary."

Word Used: $dreary$

Explanation: The sentence describes a meeting that was long and tedious. The word dreary means dull, monotonous, or depressing. This meaning perfectly fits the context of a long meeting. Therefore, the word dreary is used correctly in this sentence.

Sentence 3: Diary Usage Analysis

Sentence: "They always bought their milk products from the local diary."

Word Used: $diary$

Explanation: Milk products are sold at a place that deals with milk. This place is called a dairy. A diary is a journal. Therefore, the word diary is used incorrectly in this sentence. It should have been dairy.

Correct Usage Summary

Based on the analysis:

  • Sentence 1: Incorrect usage of 'dairy' (should be 'diary').
  • Sentence 2: Correct usage of 'dreary'.
  • Sentence 3: Incorrect usage of 'diary' (should be 'dairy').

Thus, only sentence 2 uses the word correctly.

Determining Correct Sentence

The question asks in which of the sentences the words have been used correctly. From our analysis, only sentence 2 is correct. This corresponds to the option stating '2 only'.

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