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Question

Directions: Item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words. Select the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response in your Answer Sheet accordingly.

We must not become complacent about the progress of the technology.

This question was previously asked in
CDS I 2023 English Previous Year Paper (16-April-2023)
The correct answer is

contented

Understanding the Word 'Complacent'

The question asks us to find the word that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word "complacent" in the sentence: "We must not become complacent about the progress of the technology."

Let's first understand what the word "complacent" means.

Definition of Complacent:

  • Feeling or showing smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one's achievements.
  • Being so satisfied with your own abilities or situation that you feel you do not need to try any harder.

Essentially, "complacent" implies a state of being overly content or satisfied, often to the point of being unaware of potential dangers or the need for further effort. In the given sentence, it suggests that we should not become too satisfied with technological progress, implying we should remain vigilant or continue striving.

Analyzing the Options for the Nearest Meaning

Now, let's look at the given options and compare their meanings to "complacent":

1. Discontented

  • Meaning: Dissatisfied, unhappy, or restless.
  • This is the opposite of being content or satisfied. Therefore, it is the opposite of being complacent.

2. Contented

  • Meaning: Satisfied, happy, or pleased with one's situation.
  • While "complacent" often carries a negative connotation of being *excessively* or *smugly* satisfied, "contented" means generally satisfied. Among the given options, "contented" is the closest in meaning to the core idea of being satisfied, which is central to "complacent".

3. Ignorant

  • Meaning: Lacking knowledge or information; uninformed.
  • This relates to knowledge, not a state of satisfaction or self-satisfaction. It is not related to the meaning of complacent.

4. Unsure

  • Meaning: Not confident or certain; doubtful.
  • This relates to confidence or certainty, not satisfaction. It is not related to the meaning of complacent.

Selecting the Best Synonym for Complacent

Comparing the options, "contented" is the word that most closely relates to the state of being satisfied, which is a key component of the definition of "complacent". Although "complacent" suggests a potentially negative or uncritical level of satisfaction, "contented" is the nearest positive or neutral synonym provided in the choices.

Conclusion

Based on the analysis of the meanings, the word nearest in meaning to "complacent" among the given options is "contented".

Revision Table: Understanding Vocabulary

Reviewing the key terms helps reinforce understanding of vocabulary for exams.

Word General Meaning Relation to 'Complacent'
Complacent Overly satisfied, smugly content. The word to be defined.
Discontented Unhappy, dissatisfied. Opposite meaning.
Contented Satisfied, happy. Nearest positive/neutral meaning.
Ignorant Lacking knowledge. Unrelated meaning.
Unsure Not certain or confident. Unrelated meaning.

Additional Information: Nuances in Synonyms

It's important to note that perfect synonyms are rare. Words often have subtle differences in connotation or specific usage. While "contented" is the nearest synonym provided for "complacent", "complacent" usually implies a sense of danger or failure to recognize problems due to being *too* satisfied. Other words like "smug", "self-satisfied", or "apathetic" might capture the negative aspect of complacency better in different contexts, but they are not options here. When choosing the "nearest in meaning" in multiple-choice questions, select the option that shares the most significant overlap in core meaning, even if connotations differ slightly.

Focusing on root meanings and how words are used in sentences is key to improving vocabulary skills for test preparation.

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