Direction: Select the most appropriate synonym of the underlined word in the given sentence. In order to protect his identity, the spy had to efface all evidence of his true name and occupation from his personal documents.
destroy
Understanding the Question: Finding the Synonym
The question asks us to identify the word from the given options that has the most similar meaning to the underlined word "efface" in the provided sentence.
The sentence is: In order to protect his identity, the spy had to efface all evidence of his true name and occupation from his personal documents.
Analyzing the Word "Efface"
The word "efface" typically means to wipe out, rub away, or erase. It implies getting rid of something so that it is no longer visible or evident. In the context of the sentence, the spy needs to remove or eliminate the evidence of his true identity from his documents to protect himself. This suggests that "efface" here means to remove or destroy the evidence.
Evaluating the Options for "Efface"
Let's look at each option and determine if it is a synonym for "efface" in this context:
- reveal: This means to make something known or visible that was previously secret or hidden. This is the opposite of effacing evidence.
- clarify: This means to make something clearer or easier to understand. This does not involve removing or destroying evidence.
- maintain: This means to keep something in existence or in the same state. This is contrary to the idea of getting rid of evidence.
- destroy: This means to end the existence of something by damaging or attacking it. Destroying evidence means getting rid of it, making it cease to exist or be useful. This aligns well with the meaning of efface in the sentence.
Determining the Correct Synonym
Based on the meaning of "efface" as wiping out or removing evidence, the option that best matches this meaning is "destroy". Destroying evidence makes it unavailable or non-existent, effectively effacing it.
Conclusion
Comparing the meaning of "efface" in the sentence with the given options, "destroy" is the most appropriate synonym. The spy needed to destroy the evidence of his identity to protect himself.
| Word | Meaning in Context | Option | Meaning | Is it a Synonym? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Efface | Remove or erase evidence | Reveal | Make known | No (Antonym) |
| Efface | Remove or erase evidence | Clarify | Make clear | No |
| Efface | Remove or erase evidence | Maintain | Keep in existence | No (Antonym) |
| Efface | Remove or erase evidence | Destroy | End existence; Ruin | Yes (Closest Synonym) |
Revision Table: Key Vocabulary
| Word | Definition | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Efface | To wipe out, rub out, or erase (often figurative); to make oneself appear insignificant or inconspicuous. | He tried to efface the memory of the accident. |
| Synonym | A word or phrase that means exactly or nearly the same as another word or phrase in the same language. | "Happy" is a synonym of "joyful". |
| Antonym | A word opposite in meaning to another. | "Hot" is an antonym of "cold". |
Additional Information: Synonyms and Context
Understanding synonyms is crucial for vocabulary building and improving comprehension. However, it's important to remember that synonyms rarely have exactly the same meaning in all contexts. The best synonym often depends on how the word is used in the sentence. In this case, while "efface" can sometimes mean just "to make oneself inconspicuous," the context of removing evidence from documents strongly points towards destroying or erasing the physical or written proof.
Consider these related words:
- Erase: To rub out or remove written or drawn marks.
- Delete: To remove or obliterate (especially written or printed matter).
- Obliterate: To destroy utterly; wipe out.
These words are all close in meaning to "efface" when it is used in the sense of removing or destroying evidence, reinforcing why "destroy" is the most fitting synonym among the options provided.
Important Questions from Synonyms or Antonyms
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
