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. The public was sceptical about the new government policy.
Understanding Word Meanings: Analysing 'Sceptical'
The question asks us to find the word or group of words that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word 'sceptical' in the sentence: "The public was sceptical about the new government policy."
To answer this, we need to understand the meaning of the word sceptical. The word sceptical means having doubts or reservations; not easily convinced. When someone is sceptical about something, they are hesitant to believe it or question its truth or effectiveness.
Analysing the Sentence
In the given sentence, "The public was sceptical about the new government policy," it means that the public had doubts or reservations regarding the new policy. They were not readily accepting or believing that the policy would be beneficial or effective.
Examining the Options
Let's look at the given options and their meanings:
- hopeful: Feeling or inspiring optimism about a future event. This is the opposite of having doubts.
- anxious: Feeling or showing worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome. While doubt can cause anxiety, anxiety focuses more on worry and unease than the core feeling of questioning belief or truth.
- doubtful: Feeling uncertain about something; not convinced that something is true or likely to happen. This meaning aligns very closely with sceptical.
- expectant: Having or showing an excited anticipation of something. This implies looking forward to something, which is different from having reservations.
Comparing 'Sceptical' and the Options
Based on the meanings, the word that is nearest in meaning to sceptical is doubtful. Both words describe a state of not being fully convinced or having reservations about something.
Conclusion
The word 'sceptical' in the sentence implies that the public had doubts or reservations about the new government policy. Among the given options, 'doubtful' is the closest in meaning to 'sceptical'.
Revision Table: Key Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning | Relationship to 'Sceptical' |
|---|---|---|
| Sceptical | Having doubts or reservations; not easily convinced. | The core word to understand. |
| Hopeful | Feeling optimistic about the future. | Opposite meaning. |
| Anxious | Feeling worried or uneasy. | Related to potential consequences of doubt, but not the doubt itself. |
| Doubtful | Feeling uncertain; not convinced. | Nearest meaning. |
| Expectant | Anticipating something excitedly. | Different meaning. |
Additional Information: Synonyms and Antonyms
Understanding synonyms (words with similar meanings) and antonyms (words with opposite meanings) helps in expanding vocabulary and understanding nuances. For the word sceptical:
- Synonyms: doubtful, suspicious, disbelieving, cynical, hesitant, questioning.
- Antonyms: believing, convinced, optimistic, certain, trusting, convinced.
When encountering a word like 'sceptical' in a sentence, consider the context to confirm which synonym best fits the situation. In the given sentence about a government policy, 'doubtful' fits perfectly as the public is questioning the policy's potential success or impact.
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