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Question

Direction: Select the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response accordingly.

The local people arehospitable to strangers.

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

Understanding the Meaning of 'Hospitable'

The question asks us to find the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word "hospitable". The sentence is "The local people are hospitable to strangers." This means we need to understand what it means for people to be "hospitable" to strangers and then find the word among the options that describes a similar quality.

Let's break down the word "hospitable" and the given options.

Defining 'Hospitable'

The word "hospitable" describes someone who is friendly and welcoming to guests or strangers. A hospitable person makes visitors feel comfortable and at home.

Analyzing the Options for Nearest Meaning

Now, let's look at the provided options and their meanings:

  1. surly: This word means bad-tempered and unfriendly. It describes someone who is rude and unwelcoming.
  2. distant: This word means cool or reserved in manner; not friendly or forthcoming. It suggests a lack of warmth or closeness.
  3. frosty: This word means unfriendly in manner. Like "distant," it suggests a lack of warmth, often specifically an unfriendly coldness.
  4. cordial: This word means warm and friendly. It describes someone who is welcoming, pleasant, and approachable.

We are looking for the word that is nearest in meaning to "hospitable". Comparing the definitions:

  • "Surly" is the opposite of hospitable.
  • "Distant" and "frosty" both describe a lack of friendliness or warmth, which is also the opposite of being hospitable.
  • "Cordial" means warm and friendly, which is exactly what "hospitable" means in the context of welcoming strangers or guests.

Identifying the Nearest Meaning to Hospitable

Based on the analysis, the word "cordial" is the closest in meaning to "hospitable". Both words describe someone who is warm, friendly, and welcoming towards others.

Conclusion: Nearest Meaning Analysis

The local people being "hospitable" means they are friendly and welcoming to strangers. Among the given options, "cordial" best fits this description as it means warm and friendly.

Word Meanings Comparison
Word Meaning Relation to 'Hospitable'
Hospitable Friendly and welcoming to guests or strangers Target word
Surly Bad-tempered and unfriendly Opposite
Distant Cool or reserved; not friendly Opposite
Frosty Unfriendly in manner; cold Opposite
Cordial Warm and friendly Nearest Meaning

Revision Table: Key Vocabulary Meanings

Vocabulary Revision
Word Meaning
Hospitable Friendly and generous towards guests or strangers.
Surly Bad-tempered and unfriendly; rude.
Distant Aloof or unfriendly; not showing warmth.
Frosty Unfriendly; lacking warmth or cordiality.
Cordial Warm and friendly.

Additional Information: Exploring Synonyms and Antonyms of Hospitable

Understanding synonyms and antonyms can further clarify the meaning of "hospitable".

  • Synonyms of Hospitable: welcoming, friendly, genial, cordial, warm, gracious.
  • Antonyms of Hospitable: unfriendly, unwelcoming, hostile, cold, distant, reserved, surly, frosty.

The context of the sentence "The local people are hospitable to strangers" indicates that the people are welcoming and friendly towards people they don't know, fitting the primary definition of hospitable. The word "cordial" is a strong synonym for this quality.

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