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. He was too obtuse to understand the merits of the case.
dull
Understanding the Meaning of Obtuse
The question asks us to find the word that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word "obtuse" in the sentence "He was too obtuse to understand the merits of the case." To answer this, we need to understand what "obtuse" means in this context.
The word "obtuse" can have a couple of meanings, but when describing a person's understanding or intellect, it means slow to understand, dull-witted, or lacking sharpness of mind. The sentence implies that the person failed to grasp the good points or values ("merits") of the case because of this quality.
Analysing the Options
Let's look at the given options and see which one fits the meaning of "obtuse" as used in the sentence:
- sensitive: This means easily affected by things or having a quick and delicate response to stimuli. This is the opposite of being slow to understand.
- careful: This means exercising caution or being mindful to avoid mistakes or danger. While related to thinking, it doesn't directly describe the ability to grasp concepts.
- quick witted: This means able to think and respond quickly and intelligently. This is the direct opposite of being dull or slow to understand.
- dull: This can mean lacking sharpness, either physically (like a dull knife) or mentally (like a dull student). When applied to a person's mind, "dull" means slow to understand or lacking intelligence. This aligns perfectly with the meaning of "obtuse" in the sentence.
Identifying the Nearest Meaning for Obtuse
Comparing the options, the word "dull" is the closest in meaning to "obtuse" when describing someone who is slow to understand something like the merits of a case.
Detailed Explanation
The sentence structure "He was too obtuse to understand..." clearly indicates that "obtuse" is describing a mental quality that prevents understanding. Out of the given options, "dull" is the only word that describes a similar lack of mental sharpness or quickness in understanding. A person who is "obtuse" is intellectually "dull".
Revision Table: Key Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning in Context | Antonym (Opposite) |
|---|---|---|
| Obtuse | Slow to understand; dull-witted | Quick-witted, Sharp, Perceptive |
| Sensitive | Easily affected; quick to respond | Insensitive, Unresponsive |
| Careful | Avoiding danger or mistakes | Careless, Reckless |
| Quick witted | Able to think and respond quickly and intelligently | Obtuse, Dull, Slow-witted |
| Dull | Slow to learn or understand; lacking sharpness | Sharp, Quick, Bright |
Additional Information on Synonyms
Finding synonyms is an important part of building vocabulary. Synonyms are words that have similar meanings. In this case, we were looking for a word with a meaning similar to "obtuse." Understanding the nuances of words helps in choosing the most appropriate synonym in different contexts. While "dull" is a good synonym for "obtuse" when talking about mental slowness, "obtuse" sometimes carries a stronger connotation of stubbornness or resistance to understanding, in addition to just slowness.
Other words related to lacking mental sharpness might include slow-witted, dense, or unintelligent, depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.
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.
