Each item in this section consists of an underlined word in given sentences. Each sentence is followed by four words. Select the word which is most similar in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response in the Answer Sheet accordingly.
He was greatly debilitated by an attack of influenza.
weakened
The question asks us to find the word that is most similar in meaning to the underlined word "debilitated" in the given sentence: "He was greatly debilitated by an attack of influenza."
Understanding the Meaning of Debilitated
The word "debilitated" is used to describe a state of being. When someone is debilitated, they have been made weak or feeble, often due to illness, age, or poor health. The influenza attack caused him to become very weak.
Analyzing the Options for Synonym
Let's look at the provided options and their meanings to determine which one is the closest synonym to "debilitated":
- depressed: This means feeling sad, unhappy, or low in spirits. It relates to an emotional state, not primarily a physical one caused by illness like influenza.
- weakened: This means made less strong or powerful. This directly aligns with the definition of debilitated, which is to make weak.
- worried: This means feeling or showing anxiety or concern about something. It is an emotional state related to fear or unease about potential problems.
- defeated: This means having been overcome in a battle, contest, or struggle. While illness can feel like a struggle, 'defeated' implies losing a contest rather than simply being made physically weak.
Identifying the Closest Synonym to Debilitated
Comparing the meanings, "weakened" is the word that most accurately describes the physical state of being made weak by an illness like influenza. "Debilitated" specifically refers to a loss of strength or vitality, which is precisely what "weakened" means.
Conclusion: The Best Fit Synonym
Based on the analysis of the word "debilitated" and the meanings of the given options, the word that is most similar in meaning is "weakened". The influenza attack caused the person to become greatly weakened.
Revision Table: Understanding Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning | Relevance to "Debilitated" |
|---|---|---|
| Debilitated | Made weak and infirm | The core meaning of the word |
| Depressed | Feeling unhappy or sad | Emotional state, not physical weakness |
| Weakened | Made less strong | Direct synonym for being made weak |
| Worried | Feeling anxious or concerned | Emotional state, not physical weakness |
| Defeated | Overcome in a struggle | Implies losing, not just being made weak by illness |
Additional Information on Debilitated
The word "debilitated" comes from the Latin word "debilitare," which means to weaken. It is often used in medical contexts to describe the condition of patients who have lost significant strength or energy due to sickness. While it can sometimes have a figurative sense (e.g., a business debilitated by debt), its most common usage relates to physical weakness. Synonyms for debilitated can include enervated, enfeebled, sapped, or drained. Antonyms could be strengthened, invigorated, or energized.
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.
