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Question

Directions : Each 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 nearest in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response accordingly.

Raj is a competent carpenter.

This question was previously asked in
NDA I 2022 GAT Previous Year Paper (10-Apr-2022)
The correct answer is

Capable

Understanding the Meaning of Competent

The question asks us to find the word that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word "competent" in the sentence "Raj is a competent carpenter." To answer this, we need to understand what "competent" means in this context.

The word 'competent' describes someone who has the necessary ability, skill, or knowledge to do something successfully. In the sentence, it means that Raj has the required skills and ability to perform the tasks of a carpenter well.

Analyzing the Options for Competent

Let's look at the provided options and determine which one is closest in meaning to 'competent':

  • Capable: This word means having the ability or quality necessary to do something. If someone is capable, they can perform a task successfully. This aligns very well with the meaning of competent.
  • Exceptional: This means unusual, outstanding, or much better than average. A competent person is skilled, but an exceptional person is extraordinarily skilled. While an exceptional person is competent, 'competent' doesn't necessarily mean 'exceptional'.
  • Inept: This means having or showing no skill; clumsy. This is the opposite of competent.
  • Clumsy: This means awkward in movement or handling things. Clumsiness is a form of ineptness, specifically related to physical coordination. While a clumsy person is often inept, 'clumsy' doesn't cover the full scope of being incompetent in skills or knowledge, and it is the opposite of being competent in general.

Comparing Competent and Capable

Based on the analysis, 'Capable' is the word that is nearest in meaning to 'competent'. Both words describe someone who possesses the necessary ability to perform a task effectively.

Conclusion on Competent Synonym

The word closest in meaning to "competent" among the given options is "Capable". Raj being a competent carpenter means he is a capable carpenter.

Revision Table: Competent Synonym

Word Meaning Relationship to Competent
Competent Having the necessary ability, skill, or knowledge to do something successfully. The word in question.
Capable Having the ability or quality necessary to do something. Nearest synonym.
Exceptional Unusual; outstanding. Stronger than competent; not the closest general meaning.
Inept Having no skill; clumsy. Antonym.
Clumsy Awkward in movement. Specific type of ineptness; antonym in a sense.

Additional Information on Vocabulary and Synonyms

Understanding synonyms is crucial for building a strong vocabulary and improving comprehension. Synonyms are words that have similar meanings. While many words can be synonyms, they often have slightly different nuances in meaning or usage. For example, 'competent' suggests a baseline level of skill and ability required for a task, whereas 'capable' can sometimes imply potential ability as well as current skill.

When choosing the nearest synonym, always consider the context in which the word is used. In the sentence "Raj is a competent carpenter," the word describes his skill level in his profession. 'Capable' fits this context perfectly.

Regularly learning new words and their synonyms helps you express yourself more precisely and understand complex texts better. Using context clues within a sentence can also help you infer the meaning of unfamiliar words.

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