In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the alternative which is the best substitute of the phrase. That which is morally dangerous
pestiferous
Understanding Morally Dangerous Concepts
The question asks us to find the best single word that represents something that is "morally dangerous." This phrase refers to anything that has the potential to corrupt someone's moral values, lead them towards unethical behavior, or harm their character.
Let's look at the given options and analyze their meanings:
| Option | Meaning | Relevance to "Morally Dangerous" |
|---|---|---|
| cadaverous | Resembling a corpse; very pale, thin, or bony. | This describes physical appearance, not moral danger. |
| defalcation | Misappropriation of funds by someone in a position of trust; embezzlement. | This is an immoral act itself, but the word doesn't describe something that *is* morally dangerous. It describes the act of wrongdoing. |
| sinecure | A position requiring little or no work but giving the holder status or financial benefit. | This describes a type of job, not something inherently morally dangerous, although holding one might sometimes lead to ethical questions depending on the context. |
| pestiferous | Carrying or spreading infectious disease; *harmful to morals*; troublesome or annoying. | One of the meanings of this word directly relates to being harmful to morals, which is synonymous with being morally dangerous. |
Analyzing the Options for Moral Danger
Let's break down why each option fits or doesn't fit the description "morally dangerous":
- Cadaverous: This word is purely physical, describing someone who looks like a corpse. It has no connection to moral qualities or dangers.
- Defalcation: This word describes the act of stealing money entrusted to one's care. While this is a serious moral failing, the word itself refers to the specific act of embezzlement, not something that *causes* moral danger or *is* morally dangerous in a general sense.
- Sinecure: This refers to a job with little work. While some might consider it morally questionable to receive pay without work, the word primarily describes the job itself, not something that is inherently "morally dangerous" in the sense of corrupting influence.
- Pestiferous: This word has multiple meanings. One key meaning, especially in older usage, is "harmful to morals, society, or public order." This perfectly aligns with the idea of something being "morally dangerous." It can refer to influences, ideas, or things that corrupt character.
Identifying the Best Substitute
Based on the analysis, the word that best substitutes the phrase "That which is morally dangerous" is pestiferous, due to its established meaning of being harmful or dangerous to morals.
| Phrase | Best Substitute | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| That which is morally dangerous | pestiferous | Means harmful to morals. |
Revision Table: Key Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning Relevant to Question | Other Common Meanings |
|---|---|---|
| cadaverous | N/A (Not relevant to morals) | Pale, thin, resembling a corpse. |
| defalcation | N/A (Act, not something that *is* dangerous) | Embezzlement, misappropriation of funds. |
| sinecure | N/A (Type of job) | Position with little work but good pay/status. |
| pestiferous | Harmful to morals. | Carrying disease; troublesome; annoying. |
Additional Information on Pestiferous and Moral Concepts
The word 'pestiferous' highlights how concepts like disease spread were historically linked metaphorically to the spread of moral corruption. Just as a pestilence spreads disease, a 'pestiferous' influence spreads harmful moral ideas or behaviors. Understanding the multiple facets of a word's meaning, especially those with historical depth, is crucial for selecting the best substitute in vocabulary questions.
Concepts related to 'morally dangerous' can include:
- Corrupting influences
- Bad examples
- Harmful ideologies
- Environments that encourage unethical behavior
'Pestiferous' is a somewhat dated word but directly captures the essence of something that poses a moral threat or danger.
Important Questions from One Word Substitution
For the expression which has been underlined in each of the following sentences, choose the response (a), (b), (c) or (d) which most nearly expresses its meaning.
The institution decided to give Mrs. Roy’s job to her son not because she was a social worker, but because she haddied in harness.
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Your ambition should be inconsonance withyour capabilities.
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I could not go up in lifefor want ofproper guidance.
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Though he was arrogant, I could notdispense withhis services.
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In spite of his hard work, he wasmade a scapegoatfor the failure of the project
