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Question

Directions : In the following questions a particular word is provided. Four sentences have been framed, one of which makes use of the word correctly. You are required to select the correct option and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.

‘Climactic’  

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

The climactic outcomes of restrained sustainability are positive.

Understanding the Correct Usage of 'Climactic'

The question asks us to identify the sentence that uses the word 'climactic' correctly among the given options. To do this, we need to understand the meaning of 'climactic' and how it differs from a similar-sounding word, 'climatic'.

Defining 'Climactic' vs. 'Climatic'

  • Climactic: This word relates to a climax. A climax is the most intense, exciting, or important point of something; it is often the culminating event or the peak of a sequence. Think of the climax of a movie or a story.
  • Climatic: This word relates to climate. Climate refers to the long-term weather patterns of a region or the Earth as a whole.

It's a common source of confusion, but remembering that 'climactic' is about a peak or conclusion, while 'climatic' is about climate and weather, is key.

Analyzing Each Sentence Using 'Climactic'

Let's look at each sentence provided and see how 'climactic' is used.

Sentence 1: The climactic degradations shall lead to cataclysmic weather change.

  • Here, 'climactic' is used alongside 'degradations' and refers to 'weather change'. This sentence talks about environmental processes leading to changes in weather patterns. This usage incorrectly uses 'climactic' when it should be 'climatic'.

Sentence 2: The climactic changes in the environment will impact the entire world.

  • This sentence also uses 'climactic' to describe 'changes in the environment', which are related to climate and weather patterns impacting the world. Again, 'climatic changes' would be the correct phrase here. The word 'climactic' is used incorrectly.

Sentence 3: The climactic outcomes of restrained sustainability are positive.

  • This sentence uses 'climactic' to describe 'outcomes'. It suggests that the 'outcomes' are the final, most significant, or culminating results of 'restrained sustainability'. This usage aligns with the meaning of 'climactic' as relating to a climax or peak point. The phrase "climactic outcomes" implies the peak or most important results. This sentence uses 'climactic' correctly.

Sentence 4: The climactic changes presaging environmental disaster are predicted to unfold soon.

  • Similar to sentences 1 and 2, this sentence talks about 'climactic changes' related to 'environmental disaster'. This clearly refers to changes in climate or weather patterns that could lead to disaster. The correct word here should be 'climatic'. The word 'climactic' is used incorrectly.

Based on this analysis, only Sentence 3 uses the word 'climactic' in its proper sense, referring to the significant, culminating, or peak outcomes of an action or process.

Summary of Sentence Analysis

Sentence Usage of 'Climactic' Intended Meaning Correct Word Correctness
1 climactic degradations ... weather change Related to weather/climate Climatic Incorrect
2 climactic changes in the environment Related to climate/environment Climatic Incorrect
3 climactic outcomes of restrained sustainability Relating to significant/final outcomes Climactic Correct
4 climactic changes presaging environmental disaster Related to climate/environment Climatic Incorrect

Revision Table: Key Differences

To avoid confusing 'climactic' and 'climatic', remember their core meanings.

Word Meaning Example Context
Climactic Relating to the climax (most intense, important, or culminating point) The climactic scene of the movie was very exciting. The negotiations reached a climactic stage.
Climatic Relating to climate (weather patterns) Climatic conditions affect agriculture. Scientists study climatic changes.

Additional Information: Words Often Confused

English has many pairs of words that sound similar but have different meanings. Being aware of these can improve writing and comprehension. Here are a few examples:

  • Affect vs. Effect: 'Affect' is usually a verb meaning to influence; 'Effect' is usually a noun meaning result.
  • Illicit vs. Elicit: 'Illicit' means forbidden by law or custom; 'Elicit' means to draw out (a response or fact) from someone.
  • Principal vs. Principle: 'Principal' can be a noun (head of a school, main amount of money) or an adjective (most important); 'Principle' is a noun meaning a fundamental truth or belief.
  • Compliment vs. Complement: 'Compliment' is an expression of praise; 'Complement' is something that completes or enhances something else.

Understanding these distinctions is crucial for accurate communication.

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Important Questions from Correct Usage of Word

  1. Directions: Given below is a word, followed by three sentences that consist of that word. Identify the sentence(s) that express(es) the meaning of the word.

    INTEREST

    A. She must be allowed to grieve and interest in her own way.

    B. He urged further interest rate cuts in a bid to kick-start the economy.

    C. It might interest you to learn that I've changed my opinion on that matter.

  2. Directions: Given below is a word, followed by three sentences that consist of that word. Identify the sentence(s) that express(es) the meaning of the word.

    REVISED

    A. The college has revised its plans because of local objections.

    B. The revised proposal will be presented to the board for discussion at Tuesday's meeting.

    C. The judge was revised in the newspapers for his opinions on rape.

  3. Directions: Given below is a word, followed by three sentences that consist of that word. Identify the sentence(s) that express(es) the meaning of the word.

    DEFY

    A. The brave young woman decided to defy the rules and pursue her dreams.

    B. His actions openly defied the authority of the government.

    C. The officer was convicted for refusing to defy orders

  4. Directions: Given below is a word, followed by three sentences that consist of that word. Identify the sentence(s) that express(es) the meaning of the word.

    HANDLE

    A. She carefully held the handle of the door.

    B. The detective found a crucial piece of evidence with his keen handle on the case.

    C. He couldn't handle the pressure and decided to quit.

  5. Select the option in which the usage of the given word is INCORRECT or INAPPROPRIATE.

    EXPECT

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