Direction: Select the most appropriate synonym of the underlined word. He was the discreet boy in our group but more hardworking than all of us.
reserved
Finding the Synonym for 'Discreet'
The question asks us to find the most appropriate synonym for the underlined word 'discreet' in the sentence: "He was the discreet boy in our group but more hardworking than all of us."
To answer this, we first need to understand the meaning of the word 'discreet'.
Meaning of Discreet:
Discreet means careful and circumspect in one's speech or actions, especially in order to avoid causing offense or to gain an advantage. It often implies being quiet, reserved, and not drawing attention to oneself, particularly concerning sensitive information.
Now let's look at the given options and their meanings:
| Option | Meaning | Is it a Synonym for Discreet? |
|---|---|---|
| loud | Making or causing a large amount of noise; not quiet or restrained. | No. This is an antonym. |
| outspoken | Frank in stating one's opinions, especially if they are controversial. | No. This means being open and vocal, which is the opposite of being discreet. |
| reserved | Slow to reveal emotion or opinions; keeping one's thoughts and feelings to oneself. | Yes. This aligns closely with being careful, quiet, and not drawing attention, which are aspects of being discreet. |
| noisy | Making a lot of noise. | No. Similar to 'loud', this is an antonym. |
Based on the meanings, 'reserved' is the word that best fits the context of the sentence and is the closest synonym for 'discreet'. A discreet person is often reserved in their behaviour and communication.
Therefore, the most appropriate synonym for 'discreet' among the given options is 'reserved'.
Understanding Discreet vs. Reserved
- Discreet: Primarily about being careful and cautious in speech and action, especially regarding sensitive matters, to avoid attracting attention or causing trouble. It implies good judgment and prudence.
- Reserved: Primarily about being slow to show feelings or opinions; preferring not to talk about oneself and keeping things private. It implies a quiet nature and a tendency to hold back.
While slightly different, 'reserved' is often a characteristic of a discreet person. In the context of the sentence describing a "boy in our group", being reserved is a fitting interpretation of being discreet.
Revision Table: Key Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning | Synonyms | Antonyms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discreet | Careful and circumspect in speech or actions. | Reserved, cautious, prudent, tactful. | Indiscreet, careless, reckless, outspoken. |
| Reserved | Slow to reveal emotion or opinions. | Shy, withdrawn, quiet, reticent, discreet. | Outgoing, extroverted, outspoken, forward. |
Additional Information: Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms are words that have similar meanings, while antonyms are words that have opposite meanings. Understanding synonyms and antonyms helps improve vocabulary and comprehension.
When choosing the best synonym, always consider the context in which the word is used. Sometimes, a word can have multiple meanings, and the most appropriate synonym will depend on the specific sentence.
In this case, the context "He was the discreet boy in our group" suggests a personality trait, making 'reserved' a strong fit as a synonym for 'discreet' in this sentence.
Important Questions from Synonyms or Antonyms
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