Understanding the Vocabulary Question

The question asks us to find the word or group of words that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word "smothered" as used in the sentence: "They smothered the fire in the building."

We need to understand what "smothered" means in the context of dealing with a fire.

Meaning of the Underlined Word 'Smothered'

In the context of a fire, the verb "smother" means to extinguish a fire by covering it or depriving it of air (oxygen), which is necessary for combustion. Common ways to smother a fire include using water, sand, a fire blanket, or another non-flammable covering.

Analyzing the Given Options for Nearest Meaning

Let's examine each option provided:

• lighted: To 'light' a fire means to start it or ignite it. This is the opposite of putting out a fire. Therefore, this option is incorrect.
• surrounded: To 'surround' the fire means to be all around it. While firefighters might surround a fire to control or extinguish it, the act of surrounding itself does not extinguish the fire. Therefore, this option is not the nearest meaning to smothering.
• doused: To 'douse' something means to pour a large amount of liquid over it. When used in the context of a fire, 'doused' typically means to pour water or another extinguishing agent over it to put it out. This action is a direct method of extinguishing a fire, often by cooling it or, if it's water, potentially contributing to smothering through steam displacement of air. It is very close in meaning to extinguishing or putting out a fire, which is the result of smothering a fire.
• saw: To 'see' means to perceive with the eyes. This describes observation, not an action taken against the fire. Therefore, this option is incorrect.

Comparing 'Smothered' and 'Doused'

While 'smothering' a fire specifically refers to cutting off its oxygen supply (often by covering), 'dousing' a fire involves applying a liquid, usually water. Applying water cools the fire and can also help smother it by displacing air with steam. In the context of putting out a fire, 'doused' is the action that most directly leads to extinguishing it among the given options, and it is a common method that achieves the same outcome as other methods of smothering.

Therefore, 'doused' is the option that is nearest in meaning to 'smothered' in the context of putting out a fire.

Conclusion on the Nearest Meaning

Based on the analysis, the word "doused" is the nearest in meaning to "smothered" when referring to extinguishing a fire in a building.

Revision Table: Understanding Fire Actions

Additional Information: Vocabulary and Synonyms

Understanding synonyms and antonyms is crucial for vocabulary building and excelling in verbal ability sections of exams. Synonyms are words that have similar meanings, while antonyms have opposite meanings.

• For the word "smother" (in general), other synonyms might include stifle, suffocate, suppress, extinguish.
• When referring specifically to putting out a fire, synonyms for "smother" could include extinguish, put out, quench. "Douse" is often used as a method of extinguishing or putting out a fire.
• Antonyms for "smother" (a fire) would include ignite, start, light.

Paying attention to the context in which a word is used is key to choosing the most appropriate synonym. In the sentence "They smothered the fire," the context is clearly about extinguishing the fire, making "doused" the most fitting choice among the options provided.