Each item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word/words followed by four words. Select the option that is nearer to meaning to the underlined word/words and mark your response on your Answer Sheet accordingly. It was felt that the decision to remove the group from the exercise would be detrimental to the organization.
disadvantageous
Understanding the Meaning of Detrimental and Finding its Synonym
The question asks us to find the word that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word "detrimental" in the sentence: "It was felt that the decision to remove the group from the exercise would be detrimental to the organization."
Let's first understand the meaning of the word "detrimental".
- Detrimental: Tending to cause harm. Something that is detrimental causes damage, harm, or is otherwise injurious. It has a negative impact.
Now, let's look at the given options and compare their meanings to "detrimental".
| Option | Meaning | Comparison to Detrimental |
|---|---|---|
| 1. beneficial | Favorable or advantageous; resulting in good. | This is the opposite of detrimental. |
| 2. harsh | Unpleasantly rough or jarring to the senses; cruel or severe. | While negative, this describes severity or roughness, not necessarily direct harm or disadvantage in an organizational context. |
| 3. disadvantageous | Involving or creating unfavorable circumstances that reduce the chances of success or effectiveness; unfavorable. | This means causing a disadvantage or harm, which aligns closely with causing harm or having a negative impact on an organization. |
| 4. demanding | Requiring much effort; difficult. | This describes the level of difficulty or effort required, not the negative impact or harm caused. |
Based on the meanings, "disadvantageous" is the word that is closest in meaning to "detrimental". A decision that is detrimental to an organization is one that causes harm or disadvantage to it.
Therefore, the word nearest in meaning to "detrimental" is "disadvantageous".
Revision Table: Key Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning | Synonyms | Antonyms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detrimental | Causing harm or damage. | Harmful, injurious, disadvantageous, damaging, unfavorable. | Beneficial, advantageous, helpful, favorable. |
| Disadvantageous | Creating unfavorable circumstances; unfavorable. | Detrimental, unfavorable, disadvantageous, harmful, injurious. | Advantageous, favorable, beneficial. |
Additional Information on Finding Synonyms
Finding the nearest synonym for a word involves understanding the precise meaning of the word in the given context. Here are some tips:
- Read the sentence carefully to understand how the word is used.
- Break down the meaning of the word. What core idea does it convey (e.g., harm, difficulty, speed, etc.)?
- Examine each option provided. Consider its primary meaning and how it fits into the original sentence's context.
- Eliminate options that are clearly opposites or unrelated in meaning.
- Compare the remaining options to find the one that is closest in nuance and context to the original word.
- Sometimes, none of the options are perfect synonyms, so you must choose the "nearest" in meaning.
Understanding common prefixes and suffixes can also help in guessing the meaning of unfamiliar words (e.g., 'de-' often indicates removal or reduction, 'mal-' indicates bad, 'bene-' indicates good).
Important Questions from Synonyms or Antonyms
Directions: Each item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four options, (a), (b), (c) and (d). Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response accordingly.
He had the audacity to blame him.
Directions: Each item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four options, (a), (b), (c) and (d). Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response accordingly.
There is exponential growth in the development of the scientific researches in the recent few decades.
Directions : Item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words/group of words (a), (b), (c) and (d). Select the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response in the Answer Sheet accordingly.
The itinerary of the group’s visit to the hills was given to everyone.
Directions : Item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words/group of words (a), (b), (c) and (d). Select the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response in the Answer Sheet accordingly.
All mortal elements are impermanent.
Directions : Item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words (a), (b), (c) and (d). Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response in the Answer Sheet accordingly.
The novel depicts the hapless status of certain sections of society.
