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Question

Directions For the following word (in capital letters), four possible substitutes are given. Choose the word which is nearest in meaning to the word given in capital letters and indicate your response in the options.

PATHETIC

The correct answer is

Pitiful

Understanding the Meaning of PATHETIC

The question asks to identify the word that is closest in meaning to the given word, PATHETIC. The word PATHETIC typically describes something that evokes sadness, pity, or contempt, often due to being inadequate, weak, or miserably ineffective.

Analyzing the Options

Let's examine the meaning of each provided option:

  • Pensive: This word means engaged in, involving, or reflecting deep or serious thought. It suggests a state of contemplation, often with a hint of sadness, but it does not directly mean 'evoking pity'.
  • Thoughtful: This refers to being absorbed in or full of thought. It can also mean showing consideration for others. This meaning is different from evoking pity.
  • Patient: This word means able to tolerate delays, problems, or suffering without becoming annoyed or anxious. It relates to endurance and self-control, not to evoking pity.
  • Pitiful: This word means deserving or causing pity; arousing compassion or sympathy. It directly relates to the feeling of pity, which is a core meaning of PATHETIC.

Comparing Meanings and Finding the Synonym

When comparing the definitions, the word Pitiful shares the primary sense of evoking pity with the word PATHETIC. While PATHETIC can sometimes imply inadequacy or being miserably ineffective, the feeling of pity is central to both terms.

  • PATHETIC = Evoking pity, miserably inadequate.
  • Pitiful = Deserving or causing pity.

Therefore, Pitiful is the nearest in meaning among the given choices.

Conclusion

The word closest in meaning to PATHETIC is Pitiful.

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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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