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Question

Direction: Select the most appropriate option that can substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence.

Disability was viewed as God's retribution for wickedness in the past.

This question was previously asked in
SSC CGL 2023 (Tier-II) Paper 1 Previous Year Paper (26-Oct-2023) (Shift-1)
The correct answer is

punishment for wrongdoing

Understanding Sentence Substitution and Word Meaning

The question asks us to find the most appropriate option to substitute the underlined segment "God's retribution for wickedness" in the sentence:

Disability was viewed as God's retribution for wickedness in the past.

To answer this, we need to understand the meaning of the underlined phrase in the context of the sentence.

Meaning of Key Terms: Retribution and Wickedness

  • Retribution: This word means punishment that is considered to be morally right and fully deserved. It is often associated with vengeance or repayment for a wrong deed.
  • Wickedness: This refers to evil or immoral behaviour; the quality of being wicked.

So, "God's retribution for wickedness" means punishment given by God because of evil or immoral actions.

Analyzing the Options for Substitution

Let's examine each option to see which one best fits the meaning of "God's retribution for wickedness":

  • Option 1: revenge for legal works

    This option uses the word "revenge," which is similar to "retribution" in that it involves repayment for something. However, "legal works" refers to actions that are permitted or required by law, which is the opposite of "wickedness" (illegal or immoral actions). This option does not make sense in the context.

  • Option 2: punishment for wrongdoing

    Let's break this down:

    • "Punishment" is a direct synonym for "retribution." It means suffering, pain, or loss that serves as retribution.
    • "Wrongdoing" refers to illegal or dishonest behavior; immoral acts. This is a direct synonym for "wickedness."

    Therefore, "punishment for wrongdoing" accurately captures the meaning of "retribution for wickedness."

  • Option 3: payback for doing help

    "Payback" can mean retaliation or reward, depending on context. However, "doing help" refers to assisting someone, which is a positive action and the opposite of "wickedness." This option is entirely incorrect.

  • Option 4: fine for misbehaviour

    "Fine" is a specific type of punishment, usually a sum of money paid as a penalty for breaking a law or rule. While it is a form of punishment, it is too specific and doesn't convey the broader sense of divine retribution mentioned in the original phrase. "Misbehaviour" means failing to act in an acceptable way; bad behavior. While similar to "wrongdoing," "wickedness" usually implies a more serious degree of evil than "misbehaviour." This option is a weaker substitute compared to option 2.

Comparison Summary

Let's compare the components:

Original Phrase Meaning
Retribution Punishment for wrong
Wickedness Evil or immoral acts

Option First Part Second Part Match?
1. revenge for legal works revenge (similar to retribution) legal works (opposite of wickedness) No
2. punishment for wrongdoing punishment (synonym for retribution) wrongdoing (synonym for wickedness) Yes
3. payback for doing help payback (can be reward/retaliation) doing help (opposite of wickedness) No
4. fine for misbehaviour fine (specific punishment) misbehaviour (less severe than wickedness) Partial, but not best fit

Based on the analysis, "punishment for wrongdoing" is the most accurate and appropriate substitute for "retribution for wickedness" as both "punishment" is a strong synonym for "retribution" and "wrongdoing" is a strong synonym for "wickedness."

Revision Table: Substituting Words in Sentences

Original Word/Phrase Meaning Appropriate Substitute Why it fits
Retribution Punishment for a wrong deed Punishment Direct synonym conveying the idea of deserved consequence.
Wickedness Evil or immoral acts Wrongdoing Synonym referring to bad or immoral behavior.
God's retribution for wickedness Divine punishment for evil acts Punishment for wrongdoing Combines appropriate synonyms for both key terms.

Additional Information: Historical Context and Vocabulary

Historically, various cultures and religions have linked misfortune, disease, or disability to divine punishment for sins or wrongdoings. The sentence reflects this historical perspective. Understanding such historical views can help in interpreting texts.

When substituting words or phrases in a sentence, it's crucial to consider:

  • The exact meaning of the original phrase.
  • The nuances of the words in the options.
  • How the substituted phrase fits grammatically and contextually into the original sentence.
  • Synonyms and antonyms of the key words. For example, synonyms for 'retribution' include 'penalty,' 'punishment,' 'vengeance.' Synonyms for 'wickedness' include 'evil,' 'immorality,' 'sin,' 'wrongdoing.' Antonyms for 'wickedness' include 'goodness,' 'virtue.'

This question tests your vocabulary and ability to understand and replace phrases with equivalent meanings, which is important for sentence improvement and comprehension exercises.

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Important Questions from Phrase Replacement

  1. In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the alternative which will improve the underlined part of the sentence. In case no improvement is needed, select “No improvement”

    My old teacher gave many poor students money in spite of he was poor.

  2. In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the alternative which will improve the underlined part of the sentence. In case no improvement is needed, select “No improvement”.

    You should to read the newspaper regularly if you want to be well-informed.

  3. In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the alternative which will improve the underlined part of the sentence. In case no improvement is needed, select “No improvement”.

    If he had listening to me he would not have got lost.

  4. In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the alternative which will improve the underlined part of the sentence. In case no improvement is needed, select “No improvement”

    He asked for a bank loan also he didn't have sufficient resources.

  5. In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the alternative which will improve the underlined part of the sentence. In case no improvement is needed, select “No improvement”.

    I went to the shop to buy some stationeries .

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