Directions: Each item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words/group of words. Select the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.
My neighbour is malicious .

Question

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

My neighbour is malicious .

Prepp Team · Accepted Answer

Understanding the Word Malicious and Its Synonyms

The question asks us to find the word that is closest in meaning to the underlined word "malicious" in the sentence "My neighbour is malicious." This means we are looking for a synonym for the word "malicious". Let's break down the meaning of "malicious" and the given options.

What does Malicious Mean?

The word "malicious" describes someone or something that has or shows a desire to harm someone; intending to do harm. It implies ill will or spite.

Analyzing the Options

Let's look at the meanings of the given options:

Generous: This word means showing a readiness to give more of something, especially money, than is necessary or expected; kind and helpful. This is the opposite of malicious.
Affectionate: This means readily feeling or showing fondness or tenderness. This is also the opposite of malicious.
Spiteful: This word means showing or caused by malice; malicious. This definition is very close to the meaning of malicious.
Magnanimous: This means generous or forgiving, especially toward a rival or less powerful person. This is the opposite of malicious, often implying rising above petty malice.

Comparing the meanings, the word "spiteful" is the nearest in meaning to "malicious". Both words describe an intention or desire to harm or annoy someone out of ill will.

Identifying the Correct Synonym for Malicious

Based on the analysis of the meanings, the word that is nearest in meaning to "malicious" is "spiteful".

Word	Meaning	Relationship to "Malicious"
Malicious	Intending to do harm; showing ill will.	Target word
Generous	Kind, giving, helpful.	Opposite
Affectionate	Showing fondness, tender.	Opposite
Spiteful	Showing or caused by malice; malicious.	Synonym
Magnanimous	Generous or forgiving.	Opposite

Therefore, if a neighbour is described as malicious, it means they have the intention to cause harm or trouble, similar to being spiteful.

Revision Table: Synonyms and Antonyms

Word	Synonyms	Antonyms
Malicious	Spiteful, Nasty, Vicious, Malevolent, Hostile	Benevolent, Kind, Friendly, Generous, Affectionate, Magnanimous
Spiteful	Malicious, Vindictive, Cruel, Mean	Kind, Friendly, Benevolent, Forgiving

Additional Information on Word Meanings

Understanding the nuances between similar words is crucial for vocabulary building and excelling in language sections of exams. Words like "malicious" and "spiteful" are strong negative terms indicating deliberate harm or ill will. In contrast, words like "generous," "affectionate," and "magnanimous" describe positive traits related to kindness, care, and nobility of spirit.

Learning words in context, like in the sentence "My neighbour is malicious," helps solidify their meaning and usage. Always consider how the word fits the overall tone and message of the sentence.