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Question

In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the alternative which is the best substitute of the words/sentence.

The state or quality of being holy, sacred, or saintly

The correct answer is

Sanctity

Understanding "The State of Being Holy"

The question asks for a single word that best describes the state or quality of being holy, sacred, or saintly. Let's look at the options provided and understand their meanings to find the best fit.

Analyzing the Options

  • Base: This word typically refers to the lowest part or foundation of something. It can also mean without moral principles, ignoble, or contemptible. This meaning is clearly not related to being holy or sacred.
  • Sanctity: This word is defined as the state or quality of being holy, sacred, or saintly. It directly relates to holiness, sacredness, and the quality of being saintly.
  • Vile: This word means extremely unpleasant, morally bad, wicked, or repulsive. It describes something or someone that is evil or depraved. This is the opposite of being holy or sacred.
  • Heinous: This word is used to describe actions or crimes that are utterly odious or wicked. It refers to something extremely evil or offensive. This is also the opposite of being holy or sacred.

Identifying the Best Substitute

Comparing the meanings of the options with the phrase "The state or quality of being holy, sacred, or saintly," we can see that the definition of Sanctity perfectly matches the given phrase.

Therefore, 'Sanctity' is the best substitute for the words/sentence provided in the question.

The other options—Base, Vile, and Heinous—have meanings that are either unrelated or are the opposite of being holy, sacred, or saintly.

Summary of Meanings

Word Meaning
Base Lowest part; Without moral principles
Sanctity The state or quality of being holy, sacred, or saintly
Vile Extremely unpleasant, morally bad, wicked
Heinous Utterly odious or wicked (especially of actions/crimes)

Based on this comparison, Sanctity is the only word among the options that accurately represents the state or quality of being holy, sacred, or saintly.

Revision Table: Key Vocabulary

Term Simple Definition Context in Question
Holy Dedicated or consecrated to God or a religious purpose; sacred. Part of the definition to be substituted.
Sacred Connected with God or a god and dedicated to a religious purpose and so deserving veneration. Part of the definition to be substituted.
Saintly Extremely virtuous or pious; resembling a saint. Part of the definition to be substituted.
Sanctity The state or quality of being holy, sacred, or saintly. The correct substitute word.
Base Without moral principles; ignoble. Incorrect option.
Vile Extremely unpleasant or morally bad. Incorrect option.
Heinous Utterly odious or wicked. Incorrect option.

Additional Information: Related Concepts

Understanding synonyms and antonyms is crucial for vocabulary-based questions like this one. Let's explore some related terms:

  • Piety: The quality of being religious or reverent. While related to holiness, 'piety' focuses more on devotion and religious practice.
  • Purity: The state of being free from contamination; moral uprightness. Purity can be a component of sanctity but is not synonymous with the state of being holy itself.
  • Profanity: The opposite of sacredness; behavior that is irreverent towards religious matters.
  • Blasphemy: The act or offense of speaking sacrilegiously about God or sacred things. This is a direct violation of sanctity.

These related concepts help to further clarify the meaning of 'Sanctity' by providing words that describe aspects of holiness, violations of holiness, or concepts that are close but not identical in meaning.

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Important Questions from One Word Substitution

  1. Select the option that can be used as a one-word substitute for the given group of words.

    Light rain falling in small drops

  2. Select the option that can be used as a one-word substitute for the given group of words.

    A large cage, building or enclosure for keeping birds in

  3. Direction: Select the word which means the same as the group of words given.

    A person who thinks he/she is the best.

  4. Select the word which means the same as the group of words given.

    One who makes an official examination of accounts.

  5. Select the word which means the same as the group of words given.

    A solution or remedy for all difficulties or diseases.

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