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Question

Direction: Item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words/groups of words. Select the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.

Such  traditional  methods seem incongruous in our technical age.

This question was previously asked in
CDS I 2023 English Previous Year Paper (16-April-2023)
The correct answer is inappropriate

Understanding the Word "Incongruous"

The question asks us to find the word or group of words that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word "incongruous" in the sentence: "Such traditional methods seem incongruous in our technical age."

Let's first understand the meaning of "incongruous". The word "incongruous" means not in harmony or keeping with the surroundings or other aspects of something. It suggests something is unsuitable, inappropriate, or out of place when considered together with something else.

Analyzing the Sentence Context

The sentence states that "traditional methods seem incongruous in our technical age". This implies that traditional methods appear unsuitable or out of place when used in a modern technical context. They don't fit well with the current technical environment.

Evaluating the Options for "Incongruous"

We need to look at the given options and see which one best matches the meaning of "incongruous" as used in the sentence.

  • unswerving: This means staying firm and loyal; not changing direction. For example, "unswerving loyalty". This meaning is not related to being unsuitable or out of place.
  • constant: This means occurring continuously over a period of time; remaining the same. For example, "constant temperature". This meaning is about consistency, not suitability or fit.
  • unvarying: This means remaining the same; not changing or fluctuating. For example, "unvarying routine". This is similar in meaning to "constant" and does not relate to being unsuitable or out of place.
  • inappropriate: This means not suitable or proper in the circumstances. For example, "inappropriate behaviour". This word perfectly matches the idea that traditional methods do not fit well or are not suitable for the technical age.

Identifying the Nearest Meaning

Comparing the meanings, "inappropriate" is clearly the nearest in meaning to "incongruous" in the context of the given sentence. When traditional methods seem "incongruous" in a technical age, it means they seem "inappropriate" for that setting.

Vocabulary Revision Table

Word Meaning Example Usage
Incongruous Not in harmony; unsuitable; out of place His bright tie looked incongruous with his formal suit.
Unswerving Steadfast; not changing direction or loyalty She showed unswerving dedication to her goals.
Constant Occurring continuously; unchanging The constant noise was irritating.
Unvarying Remaining the same; not changing The climate in this region is unvarying.
Inappropriate Not suitable or proper Wearing shorts to a wedding would be inappropriate.

Additional Vocabulary Information

Improving your vocabulary is key for excelling in language-based questions. When you encounter a new word like "incongruous", try to:

  • Look up its definition in a dictionary.
  • Read example sentences to understand how it's used in context.
  • Identify synonyms (words with similar meaning) and antonyms (words with opposite meaning). For "incongruous", synonyms include inappropriate, unsuitable, clashing, inconsistent; antonyms include appropriate, suitable, harmonious, fitting.
  • Use the word yourself in sentences to practice.

Understanding the nuances of word meanings, especially in context, is vital for answering synonym and antonym questions accurately in exams.

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