Directions :Each item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word/words followed by four options. Select the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word/words and mark your response in your Answer Sheet accordingly . The police officer tried to intimidate the witness but in vain.
frighten
Understanding the Meaning of Intimidate
The question asks us to find the word that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word "intimidate" in the sentence: "The police officer tried to intimidate the witness but in vain."
To solve this, we need to understand what the word "intimidate" means in this context and then compare its meaning to the given options.
What Does 'Intimidate' Mean?
The word "intimidate" generally means to frighten or make someone feel nervous, especially so that they will do what you want or do not do what you do not want.
In the sentence, the police officer is trying to make the witness feel afraid or nervous. This is often done to pressure someone into giving a certain statement or staying silent.
Analyzing the Options for Intimidate
Let's look at the meanings of the given options:
- inform: To give someone facts or information. This is about providing knowledge, not causing fear.
- reward: To give something to someone in recognition of their service, effort, or achievement. This is a positive action, the opposite of causing fear or discomfort.
- frighten: To make someone afraid or anxious. This directly matches the idea of causing fear or nervousness, which is central to the meaning of "intimidate".
- persuade: To cause someone to do something through reasoning or argument. While persuasion involves influencing someone's actions, it typically relies on logic, appeals, or incentives, not fear.
Comparing Options to Intimidate
Comparing the options, "frighten" is the word that is closest in meaning to "intimidate" because both words describe the act of causing someone to feel fear or apprehension.
Finding the Nearest Meaning to Intimidate
Based on our analysis of the word "intimidate" and the given options, the word that is nearest in meaning is "frighten". The police officer tried to frighten the witness.
Revision Table: Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Intimidate | To make someone feel nervous or afraid, especially so that they will do what you want. |
| Inform | To give someone facts or information. |
| Reward | To give something for effort or achievement. |
| Frighten | To make someone afraid or anxious. |
| Persuade | To cause someone to do something through reasoning or argument. |
Additional Information on Vocabulary Building
Understanding vocabulary is crucial for language proficiency and excelling in exams. Here are some tips:
- Learn words in context. The sentence provides valuable context for "intimidate".
- Use a dictionary to find precise meanings, synonyms, and antonyms.
- Practice using new words in your own sentences.
- Review words regularly to reinforce your learning.
- Group words by topic or by roots/affixes to see connections.
Regular practice with vocabulary helps you understand and use language more effectively, which is essential for reading comprehension and communication.
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.
