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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 gave a dazzling performance at the opera.

This question was previously asked in
NDA 2 2024 GAT Question Paper (01-Sep-2024)
The correct answer is brilliant

Finding the Nearest Meaning of Dazzling

The question asks us to find the word or group of words that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word "dazzling" in the sentence: "He gave a dazzling performance at the opera."

To answer this, we need to understand the meaning of "dazzling" in the context of a performance and then compare it to the meanings of the given options.

Understanding 'Dazzling Performance'

When we describe a performance as "dazzling," it means it was extremely impressive, brilliant, or spectacular. It captures attention and admiration due to its excellence or brilliance.

Analyzing the Options for Dazzling

Let's look at the meaning of each option:

  • brilliant: This word means exceptionally clever or talented, or intensely bright or impressive. When applied to a performance, it means outstanding or superb.
  • dismal: This word means gloomy, dreary, or miserable. It suggests a lack of cheerfulness or success.
  • pathetic: This word can mean arousing pity, especially through vulnerability or sadness. It can also mean miserably inadequate or feeble.
  • puerile: This word means childishly silly or immature.

Comparing Options with Dazzling

Now let's compare the meaning of "dazzling" with each option:

  • "Dazzling" implies something highly impressive and brilliant. "Brilliant" directly matches this meaning, especially in the context of a performance being outstanding.
  • "Dazzling" implies success and excellence. "Dismal" implies gloom and lack of success, which is the opposite of dazzling.
  • "Dazzling" implies excellence. "Pathetic" implies inadequacy or arousing pity, which is the opposite of dazzling.
  • "Dazzling" implies maturity and skill worthy of admiration. "Puerile" implies childish immaturity, which is the opposite of dazzling.

Conclusion: The Nearest Meaning

Based on the analysis, the word nearest in meaning to "dazzling" in the context of a performance is "brilliant". A dazzling performance is a brilliant performance.

Word Meaning related to performance Comparison with Dazzling
Dazzling Extremely impressive, brilliant, spectacular, outstanding Target word
Brilliant Outstanding, superb, very impressive Very close match
Dismal Gloomy, poor, unsuccessful Opposite meaning
Pathetic Miserably inadequate, feeble Opposite meaning
Puerile Childishly silly, immature Opposite meaning

Revision Table: Key Vocabulary

Word Meaning Example Sentence
Dazzling Extremely impressive or attractive The magician's tricks were absolutely dazzling.
Brilliant Very impressive or successful; intensely bright She had a brilliant idea for the project.
Dismal Gloomy or depressing; poor or unsuccessful The weather was dismal all week.
Pathetic Arousing pity; miserably inadequate His attempt to climb the wall was pathetic.
Puerile Childishly silly or immature Making those kinds of jokes is quite puerile.

Additional Information: Synonyms and Antonyms

Understanding synonyms (words with similar meanings) and antonyms (words with opposite meanings) is crucial for vocabulary questions like this. For "dazzling" performance:

  • Synonyms: Brilliant, spectacular, outstanding, superb, stunning, magnificent, sensational.
  • Antonyms: Dismal, poor, terrible, pathetic, mediocre, uninspiring.

By learning synonyms and antonyms, you can better understand the nuances of word meanings and choose the best fit in different contexts, such as describing a performance.

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Important Questions from Synonyms or Antonyms

  1. Select the synonym of the given word.

    STRAY

  2. Select the synonym of the given word.

    ZENITH

  3. Select the antonym of the given word.

    GRANT

  4. Directions:Choose the synonym of the given word.

    ANNOY

  5. Select the synonym of the given word.

    ABILITY

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