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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.

He first convulsed and then collapsed on the floor. 

The correct answer is

shivered

Understanding the Word "Convulsed" in Context

The question asks us to find the word that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word "convulsed" in the sentence: "He first convulsed and then collapsed on the floor." To answer this, we need to understand what "convulsed" means in this context.

The word "convulsed" typically describes a sudden, violent, and involuntary movement of the muscles. These movements can be strong shaking or contortion of the body, often associated with a medical condition or a strong reaction.

Analyzing the Options for Nearest Meaning to Convulsed

Let's look at the meaning of each option provided:

  • shivered: To shake slightly and uncontrollably as a result of being cold, frightened, or excited. This involves involuntary muscle movements, though usually less violent than a typical convulsion.
  • crouched: To bend the knees and lower the body, often to hide or protect oneself, or to sit close to the ground. This is a voluntary posture.
  • shouted: To utter a loud cry, typically as an expression of a strong emotion or in response to a situation. This relates to vocalization, not muscle movement of the body.
  • cried: To shed tears, typically as an expression of distress, pain, or sorrow; or to make a loud, inarticulate shout or scream. Like shouted, this relates to vocal expression or emotional reaction, not general body convulsions.

Comparing Meanings: Convulsed vs. Options

We are looking for the word closest in meaning to "convulsed," which implies involuntary, violent muscle movements. Let's compare:

  • "Convulsed" implies strong, involuntary shaking or contractions.
  • "Shivered" implies slight, involuntary shaking. While less intense, it is also involuntary and involves shaking.
  • "Crouched" is a voluntary action of bending the body.
  • "Shouted" is a voluntary vocal action.
  • "Cried" involves shedding tears or vocalizing, not general body convulsions.

Out of the given options, "shivered" is the only word that describes an involuntary physical shaking of the body, which is a key characteristic of being "convulsed," although usually less severe. In the context of someone collapsing, convulsing suggests involuntary muscular activity preceding the collapse. Shivering is the closest form of involuntary body movement among the choices.

Conclusion: Identifying the Nearest Meaning

Based on the analysis of the meanings, "shivered" is the option that is nearest in meaning to "convulsed" because both involve involuntary shaking or trembling movements of the body. The other options describe voluntary actions or vocalizations.

Word Meaning Relation to "Convulsed" (Involuntary Muscle Movement)
Convulsed Sudden, violent, involuntary muscle movements/shaking Core meaning
Shivered Slight, involuntary shaking (due to cold, fear, etc.) Nearest; involves involuntary shaking, though usually less violent.
Crouched Voluntary lowering of the body by bending knees Not related; voluntary posture.
Shouted Voluntary loud vocal expression Not related; vocalization.
Cried Shedding tears or voluntary vocal expression Not related; emotional/vocal.

Revision Table: Key Vocabulary

Word Definition
Convulsed To make sudden, violent, involuntary movements of the body.
Shivered To shake slightly and uncontrollably as a result of being cold, frightened, or excited.
Collapsed To fall down or inward suddenly; to lose strength or consciousness and fall.

Additional Information on Synonyms and Context

Understanding the context of a sentence is crucial for choosing the best synonym. In this sentence, the sequence of events is "convulsed and then collapsed," suggesting a physical reaction leading to collapse. While "convulsed" can imply severe seizures, in some contexts, any significant involuntary shaking might be described as convulsing, especially if it's a precursor to collapsing. Synonyms for "convulse" can include seize, fit, thrash, or spasm, depending on the severity. Among the provided options, "shivered" represents the mildest form of involuntary shaking, making it the closest match compared to the other unrelated options.

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Important Questions from Synonyms or Antonyms

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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. 

  4. 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.

  5. 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.  

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