In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the alternative which is the best substitute of the phrase. Which can easily be carved without breaking
flexible
Understanding the Phrase "Which can easily be carved without breaking"
The question asks for a single word that best describes something which possesses the quality of being easily shaped or cut (carved) without fracturing or falling apart (breaking). This quality is related to the material's ability to withstand deformation or stress during the carving process without losing its structural integrity.
Analyzing the Options
Let's look at each option provided to see which one best fits the description:
- reformism: This term refers to a political doctrine advocating for gradual reforms rather than sudden revolution. It is not related to the physical properties of materials or objects.
- cannibal: This term refers to a person who eats human flesh or an animal that eats its own species. It is completely unrelated to the physical properties of being carved or breaking.
- interment: This term means the burial of a corpse. It is not related to the physical properties of materials or carving.
- flexible: This term describes something that is capable of bending easily without breaking. While "flexible" primarily relates to bending, materials that are flexible are often also malleable or ductile, meaning they can be shaped or deformed (like carving) without fracturing easily. The ability to bend without breaking is a key aspect of materials that can be easily shaped without damage. Thus, "flexible" is the closest substitute among the given options for something that can be easily carved without breaking.
Identifying the Best Substitute
Comparing the options, "flexible" is the only word that describes a physical property related to how a material behaves under stress or deformation. A flexible material can be manipulated, bent, or shaped without fracturing. This quality is directly relevant to the ability to be carved easily without breaking.
Definition of Flexible:
- Able to bend easily without breaking.
- Capable of being changed or adjusted to meet particular conditions; adaptable. (The second definition is not relevant here).
In the context of carving, a flexible material might also be described as malleable or ductile, qualities often found in materials that are also flexible. Therefore, "flexible" is the most appropriate substitute among the choices.
Conclusion
Based on the analysis of each option, the word that best substitutes the phrase "Which can easily be carved without breaking" is flexible.
| Phrase to Substitute | Given Options | Relevance to Phrase |
|---|---|---|
| Which can easily be carved without breaking | reformism | Irrelevant (political term) |
| cannibal | Irrelevant (eating habits) | |
| interment | Irrelevant (burial) | |
| flexible | Relevant (physical property, ability to bend/shape without breaking) |
Revision Table: Understanding Material Properties
| Term | Definition | Relevance to Carving |
|---|---|---|
| Flexible | Able to bend easily without breaking. | Often implies malleability/ductility, making it easier to shape without fracturing. |
| Brittle | Hard but liable to break or shatter easily. | Cannot be carved easily without breaking. |
| Malleable | (of a metal or other material) able to be hammered or pressed permanently out of shape without breaking or cracking. | Directly relevant; can be shaped (like carving) without breaking. |
| Ductile | (of a metal) able to be drawn out into a thin wire without breaking. | Related to ability to deform without breaking; relevant to shaping. |
Additional Information: Properties Relevant to Shaping Materials
When considering how easily a material can be shaped or carved, several physical properties are important:
- Hardness: Resistance to scratching or indentation. A very hard material is difficult to carve.
- Brittleness: Tendency to break or shatter under stress rather than bending or deforming. Brittle materials are hard to carve without breaking.
- Malleability: Ability to deform under compression (like hammering or pressing) without cracking. Malleable materials are good for carving and shaping.
- Flexibility: Ability to bend without breaking. Often indicates a material can withstand some deformation during carving.
- Ductility: Ability to stretch under tension without breaking. Relevant as carving involves stresses on the material.
The phrase "easily carved without breaking" suggests a material that is not too hard and is not brittle. A flexible material, while primarily about bending, often possesses the malleability or ductility required for carving without fracturing.
Important Questions from One Word Substitution
Select the option that can be used as a one-word substitute for the given group of words.
A glass container to keep fish
Select the option that can be used as a one-word substitute for the given group of words.
Something that is strong and lasts a long time without breaking or becoming weaker.
Select the word which means the same as the group of words given.
A place where plants are grown for sale
In the following question, out of the four alternatives, choose the one which can be substituted for the given words/sentence.
Open refusal to obey orders
Select the word which means the same as the group of words given.
A doctor who specializes in heart diseases
