Directions: In the sentence, a word is underlined followed by four words/groups of words. Select the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response on your Answer Sheet accordingly. The officer in charge of the operations has been impugned for the excesses.
Challenged
Understanding the Meaning of 'Impugned'
The question asks us to find the word or group of words nearest in meaning to the underlined word "impugned" in the sentence: "The officer in charge of the operations has been impugned for the excesses."
Let's first understand the meaning of the word "impugned". The word "impugn" means to call into question; to challenge as false or doubtful; to attack as false or questionable.
In the given sentence, the officer is being "impugned" because of "the excesses". "Excesses" here refers to actions that went too far, perhaps beyond what was necessary, legal, or ethical. Therefore, the sentence implies that the officer's actions are being challenged, questioned, or criticized.
Analyzing the Options for Nearest Meaning
Let's look at the provided options and see which one best fits the meaning of "impugned" in this context:
- Expelled: To expel means to force someone to leave a place or organization. While an officer might be expelled for excesses, being "impugned" is the act of challenging their actions, which could potentially lead to expulsion, but the words themselves do not mean the same thing.
- Rewarded: To reward someone is to give them something in recognition of their service, effort, or achievement. This is the opposite of being questioned or criticized for wrongdoings like "excesses".
- Challenged: To challenge means to dispute the truth or validity of something; to question someone's actions or authority. This meaning aligns perfectly with the idea that the officer's actions (the excesses) are being called into question or disputed.
- Given allowance: To give allowance could mean to make provision for something, or in another context, to permit or tolerate something. This does not fit the situation where an officer is facing consequences or scrutiny for "excesses".
Identifying the Correct Synonym for Impugned
Based on the analysis, the word "challenged" is the nearest in meaning to "impugned". When an officer is impugned for excesses, their actions or conduct related to those excesses are being challenged or questioned.
Conclusion: Meaning of Impugned
The underlined word "impugned" in the sentence means that the officer's actions are being challenged or called into question due to the excesses committed. Comparing this meaning with the given options, "challenged" is the most appropriate synonym.
| Word | Meaning in Context | Comparison to 'Impugned' |
|---|---|---|
| Impugned | Called into question; challenged as false or doubtful. | Target word. |
| Expelled | Forced out. | Consequence, not the act of questioning. |
| Rewarded | Given recognition/prize. | Opposite meaning. |
| Challenged | Disputed; questioned. | Nearest meaning. |
| Given allowance | Permitted; tolerated. | Opposite meaning in this context. |
Revision Table: Key Vocabulary
| Word | Definition | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Impugn | To challenge the validity or truth of something; to question. | His integrity was impugned by his political opponents. |
| Excesses | Actions that go beyond what is necessary, normal, or desirable; immoderate behavior. | The report detailed the financial excesses of the previous administration. |
| Challenge | To dispute the truth or validity of something; to question. | She challenged the decision of the committee. |
| Expel | To force someone to leave a place, organization, or country. | The student was expelled for cheating. |
| Reward | A thing given in recognition of service, effort, or achievement. | He received a reward for finding the lost wallet. |
Additional Information: Understanding Synonyms
Finding the word nearest in meaning, or a synonym, is a common type of vocabulary question. It requires understanding the context in which a word is used, as well as the specific meanings of the options provided. Often, a word can have multiple meanings, and the correct synonym depends on how it is used in the sentence.
For the word "impugn", synonyms can include "question", "challenge", "dispute", "attack", "assail". Antonyms might include "defend", "support", "validate", "approve". In the context of the sentence about the officer and excesses, "challenged" is the most fitting synonym among the options.
Understanding prefixes and roots can also help. "Im-" can mean "against" or "not". "-pugn" comes from a Latin root meaning "to fight" or "to prick". So, "impugn" literally involves "fighting against" or "attacking" something, which ties back to challenging or disputing.
Important Questions from Fill in the Blanks
Direction : Select the word or group of words you consider most appropriate for the blank space and indicate your response on the answer sheet accordingly.
There was a time when West Germany was a distinct ______.
Direction: Select the word or group of words you consider most appropriate for the blank space and indicate your response on the answer sheet accordingly.
My son is very _____, he trusts everyone.Direction: Select the word or group of words you consider most appropriate for the blank space and indicate your response on the answer sheet accordingly.
I wish I _____ her before we met.Directions: Each of the following items in this section has a sentence with a missing preposition. Select the correct preposition from the given options and mark your response accordingly.
I accepted the offer _______ certain conditions.
Directions: Each of the following items in this section has a sentence with a missing preposition. Select the correct preposition from the given options and mark your response accordingly.
He visits the needy to relieve them ______ their sufferings and poverty.
