All Exams Test series for 1 year @ ₹349 only
Question

In the following question, out of the four alternatives, choose the one which best expresses the meaning of the given word.

Apathy

This question was previously asked in
SSC CGL 2016 (Tier 1) Previous Year Question Paper (11-Sep-2016) (Shift 2)
The correct answer is

indifference

Understanding the Meaning of Apathy

The question asks us to find the word that best expresses the meaning of "Apathy". Let's look at the definition of Apathy and the provided options.

Apathy is defined as a lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern. It is a state of not caring or being indifferent.

Now let's examine the given options:

  • Negligence: This refers to the failure to take proper care in doing something. It implies a lack of attention or caution, often leading to harm or damage. While a person with apathy might be negligent due to a lack of concern, the core meaning of negligence is about failing to take care, not the feeling of not caring itself.
  • Indifference: This means a lack of interest, concern, or sympathy. It is a state of not caring about one thing more than another, or not caring at all. This definition aligns very closely with the definition of Apathy.
  • Sympathy: This is the feeling of pity or sorrow for someone else's misfortune. It is the opposite of apathy, as it involves caring deeply about another person's feelings or situation.
  • Silence: This is the absence of sound or speaking. While someone who is apathetic might be silent, silence is a state of being quiet, not a feeling of not caring.

Comparing the definitions, "Indifference" directly matches the core meaning of "Apathy" which is a lack of interest or concern. Apathy is the state of being indifferent.

Let's summarize the terms:

Term Meaning Relationship to Apathy
Apathy Lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern; Not caring The word we are defining.
Negligence Failure to take proper care Can be a consequence of apathy, but not the same meaning.
Indifference Lack of interest, concern, or sympathy; Not caring Best synonym for Apathy.
Sympathy Feeling of pity or sorrow for others Opposite of apathy.
Silence Absence of sound or speaking Possible behaviour in apathy, but not the meaning.

Based on the definitions and comparison, "Indifference" is the word that best expresses the meaning of "Apathy".

Revision Table: Vocabulary Review

Word Meaning Example Usage
Apathy Lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern There was a general apathy among the students towards the new rules.
Indifference Lack of interest, concern, or sympathy His indifference to the suffering of others was shocking.
Negligence Failure to take proper care The accident was caused by driver negligence.
Sympathy Feeling of pity or sorrow for someone's misfortune She offered sympathy to her friend after the loss.
Silence Absence of sound or speaking The room fell into silence after the announcement.

Additional Information: Exploring Related Concepts

Understanding vocabulary is crucial for effective communication and scoring well in exams. Words often have synonyms (words with similar meanings) and antonyms (words with opposite meanings).

  • Synonyms for Apathy/Indifference: lack of interest, unconcern, listlessness, lethargy, passivity, detachment.
  • Antonyms for Apathy/Indifference: interest, enthusiasm, concern, passion, eagerness, care, sympathy.

Recognizing the nuances between similar-sounding words or words that might describe related states (like apathy and negligence) is key to choosing the best fit in vocabulary questions.

Was this answer helpful?

Similar Questions

  1. Directions: Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word.

    Detrimental

  2. Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word.

    Magnify

  3. Select the synonym of the given word.

    EFFICIENCY

  4. Directions: Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word.

    IOTA

  5. Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the underlined word.

    The Government ruthlessly  decided to force its citizens to pay taxes even during famine.

  6. Select the word that is OPPOSITE in meaning to the given word.

    Cease

  7. Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word.

    Bare

  8. Select the antonym of the given word.
    LIBERTY
  9. Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the given word.

    ROUGH

  10. Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the underlined word.

    He was acquitted of all the charges in the court today.


Important Questions from Synonyms or Antonyms

  1. A sentence with an underlined word is given below. Select the most appropriate antonym for the underlined word.

    Whether the rewards arein commensurate withthe efforts or not, a society will always have workaholics and the shirk workgroups.

  2. The following question consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words. Select the word that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response accordingly.

    Wars leave behind a large number ofemaciatedsoldiers in the camps of both the victorious and the vanquished.

  3. A sentence with an underlined word is given below. Select the most appropriate antonym for the underlined word.

    There was amammothgathering to listen to the leader.

  4. The following question consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words. Select the word that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response accordingly.

    The audience thoroughly enjoyed thehilariousdrama.

  5. A sentence with an underlined word is given below. Select the most appropriate antonym for the underlined word.

    The writer’seruditionin science is revealed in every page of the book.

Need Expert Advice?
Upcoming Exams
SSC Selection Post
September 16, 2026
Test Series
SSC CGL img
SSC
SSC CGL (Tier I + Tier II) 2026 Mock Test Series - Latest Pattern
2501 Tests 6 Tests Free
4386 Attempts
4.2(845)
English, Hindi

Start Your Preparation with Prepp Mobile App

Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Prepp Mobile App