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Question

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.

Many communication problems can be  attributed directly to misunderstandings and inaccuracies.

This question was previously asked in
CDS I 2019 Elementary Mathematics Previous Year Paper (03-Feb-2019)
The correct answer is

Ascribed

Understanding the Meaning of Attributed

The question asks us to find the word or group of words that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word "attributed" in the sentence: "Many communication problems can be attributed directly to misunderstandings and inaccuracies."

In this sentence, "attributed" means to regard something (communication problems) as being caused by or resulting from something else (misunderstandings and inaccuracies). It's about identifying the origin or cause of the problems.

Analyzing the Options for Synonym of Attributed

Let's look at the given options and see which one has a meaning closest to "attributed" in this context.

  • Option 1: Disapproved
  • Meaning: To have or express an unfavorable opinion of; to reject.
  • Analysis: This word refers to expressing dislike or rejection. It does not relate to identifying the cause or origin of something. Therefore, "disapproved" is not a synonym for "attributed".
  • Option 2: Unofficial
  • Meaning: Not formally approved or sanctioned.
  • Analysis: This word refers to a lack of formal status or approval. It has no connection to the idea of causation or origin. Therefore, "unofficial" is not a synonym for "attributed".
  • Option 3: Ascribed
  • Meaning: To regard something as being due to (a cause); to attribute something to.
  • Analysis: This word directly means to attribute something to a cause or source. The definition of "ascribed" is very similar to the meaning of "attributed" in the given sentence. If we substitute "ascribed" into the original sentence, it reads: "Many communication problems can be ascribed directly to misunderstandings and inaccuracies," which makes perfect sense and retains the original meaning.
  • Option 4: Tribute
  • Meaning: An act, statement, or gift that is intended to show gratitude, respect, or admiration.
  • Analysis: This word refers to an act of showing respect or admiration. It has no relation to the idea of cause and effect or origin. Therefore, "tribute" is not a synonym for "attributed".

Identifying the Nearest Synonym

Comparing the meanings of all options, "ascribed" is the only word that is very close in meaning to "attributed" when "attributed" is used to indicate cause or origin.

Therefore, "ascribed" is the nearest synonym for "attributed" in the given sentence.

Revision Table: Understanding Attributed and its Synonyms

Word Common Meaning Meaning in Sentence Context Synonym?
Attributed Regard as belonging to or resulting from. Regarded as caused by misunderstandings and inaccuracies. -
Disapproved Rejected; not approved. - No
Unofficial Not formally sanctioned. - No
Ascribed Regarded as due to (a cause). Regarded as caused by misunderstandings and inaccuracies. Yes
Tribute Act showing respect. - No

Additional Information on Vocabulary and Synonyms

Understanding synonyms is a key part of vocabulary building. Synonyms are words that have similar meanings. However, it's important to note that synonyms are not always interchangeable in every context. The specific sentence and its meaning dictate which synonym is most appropriate.

In this case, "attributed" and "ascribed" are often used interchangeably when talking about assigning cause or origin. Other related words might include:

  • Assigned
  • Imputed
  • Credited
  • Associated

However, among the given options, "ascribed" is the most direct and accurate synonym for "attributed" in the context of identifying the cause of communication problems.

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