All Exams Test series for 1 year @ ₹349 only
Question

Directions : In the following questions a pair of similar sounding words is provided. You are required to select the option that most appropriately describes the meaning of both the words and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.

‘Deify’ and ‘Defy’  

This question was previously asked in
CDS I 2022 English Previous Year Paper (10-April-2022)
The correct answer is

To deify means to confer upon one the status of God and to defy means to oppose

Understanding Similar Sounding Words: Deify and Defy

This question asks us to identify the correct meanings of two words that sound similar but have different meanings: 'Deify' and 'Defy'. Understanding the precise meaning of each word is crucial to selecting the correct option.

Meaning of 'Deify'

The word 'Deify' means to treat someone or something as a god or to attribute divine status or qualities to them. It involves raising a person or thing to the level of a deity or god.

  • Example: In ancient Rome, emperors were sometimes deified after their death.

Meaning of 'Defy'

The word 'Defy' means to openly resist or refuse to obey someone or something. It involves challenging authority or showing a bold disregard for rules or expectations.

  • Example: The rebels decided to defy the king's orders.
  • Example: The building seemed to defy gravity.

Analyzing the Options

Let's examine each option based on the meanings we've discussed:

  1. To deify means to confer upon one the status of God and to defy means to oppose
    • This option correctly defines 'deify' as giving someone the status of God.
    • This option correctly defines 'defy' as meaning to oppose or resist.
  2. To deify means to confer upon one the status of God and to defy means to deny
    • This option correctly defines 'deify'.
    • However, it incorrectly defines 'defy' as 'to deny'. While 'defy' involves resistance, 'deny' means to state that something is not true or to refuse to admit something. These are not the same.
  3. To deify means to oppose and to defy means to confer upon one the status of God
    • This option swaps the meanings of the two words. It incorrectly defines 'deify' as 'to oppose' and 'defy' as 'to confer upon one the status of God'.
  4. To deify means to oppose and to defy means to deny
    • This option incorrectly defines 'deify' as 'to oppose'.
    • It also incorrectly defines 'defy' as 'to deny'.

Identifying the Correct Option

Based on our analysis, Option 1 accurately describes the meanings of both 'deify' and 'defy'.

Deify: To confer upon one the status of God.

Defy: To oppose or resist.

Conclusion

The pair of words 'Deify' and 'Defy' sound alike (they are homophones or near-homophones) but have entirely different meanings. 'Deify' relates to making someone a god, while 'Defy' relates to resistance or opposition.

Word Meaning Example Usage
Deify To treat as a god; confer divine status Ancient rulers were often deified.
Defy To openly resist or refuse to obey; oppose They decided to defy the rules.

Revision Table: Deify vs Defy

Word Core Concept Similar Meaning Words Antonyms (where applicable)
Deify Making divine, elevating to god status Exalt, Glorify, Venerate, Idolize Demote, Debase, Denigrate
Defy Resisting, opposing, challenging authority Resist, Oppose, Rebel, Challenge, Disobey Obey, Submit, Comply, Surrender

Additional Information: Understanding Homophones and Similar Sounding Words

Words like 'Deify' and 'Defy' are often called homophones or are words that sound very similar. These can be tricky in language because their similar pronunciation can lead to confusion about their distinct meanings and spellings.

  • Homophones: Words that sound the same but have different spellings and meanings (e.g., 'to', 'too', 'two').
  • Words with Similar Sounding: Words that are pronounced almost identically but have different spellings and meanings (e.g., 'affect' and 'effect', 'deify' and 'defy').

Paying close attention to the spelling is essential when dealing with such words to ensure the correct meaning is conveyed.

Was this answer helpful?

Similar Questions

  1. Directions : In the following questions a pair of similar sounding words is provided. You are required to select the option that most appropriately describes the meaning of both the words and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.

    ‘Compliment’ and ‘Complement’ 

  2. Directions: In the following items, a pair of words is provided. You are required to select the option that most appropriately describes the meaning of both the words and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.

    'Compliment' and 'Complement'

  3. Directions: In the following items, a pair of words is provided. You are required to select the option that most appropriately describes the meaning of both the words and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.

    'Deify' and 'Defy'

  4. Directions: In the following items, a pair of words is provided. You are required to select the option that most appropriately describes the meaning of both the words and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.

    'Stationery' and 'Stationary'

  5. Directions: In the following items, a pair of words is provided. You are required to select the option that most appropriately describes the meaning of both the words and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.

    'Enquiry' and 'Inquiry'

  6. Directions: In the following items, a pair of words is provided. You are required to select the option that most appropriately describes the meaning of both the words and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.

    'Complaisant' and 'Complacent'

  7. Directions: In the following items, a pair of words is provided. You are required to select the option that most appropriately describes the meaning of both the words and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.

    'Boarder' and 'Border'

  8. Directions: In the following items, a pair of words is provided. You are required to select the option that most appropriately describes the meaning of both the words and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.

    'Concurrent' and 'Consecutive'

  9. Directions: In the following items, a pair of words is provided. You are required to select the option that most appropriately describes the meaning of both the words and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.

    'Epitaph' and 'Epithet'

  10. Directions: In the following items, a pair of words is provided. You are required to select the option that most appropriately describes the meaning of both the words and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.

    'Discomfort' and 'Discomfit'


Important Questions from Homophones

  1. Select the correct pair of homophones to fill in the blanks.

    The stained glass windows behind the _______ in Glenn Church are in need of repair.

    Genetic screening has the potential to _______ the genetic composition of the population

  2. Select the most appropriate homophone to fill in the blank.

    The shareholders are planning to ___________ control of the company from the current directors.

  3. Fill in the blank with the appropriate homonym :

    He left the meeting in a fit of __________ .

  4. Fill in the blank with the appropriate homonym :

    A __________ gives us his words of wisdom.

  5. Fill in the blank with the appropriate homonym :

    He favours a ___________ and stick approach to teaching.

Need Expert Advice?
Upcoming Exams
NDA
September 13, 2026
CDS
September 13, 2026
Test Series
CDS img
Defence
UPSC CDS 2026 Mock Test Series
540 Tests 4 Tests Free
1243 Attempts
4.3(168)
English, Hindi
More Questions from CDS

Start Your Preparation with Prepp Mobile App

Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Prepp Mobile App