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Question

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

Intoxicating

The correct answer is

Stimulating

Understanding the Meaning of Intoxicating

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

The word "Intoxicating" primarily means causing someone to lose control of their faculties or behavior due to the consumption of alcohol or drugs. However, it also has a secondary, figurative meaning: making someone feel exhilarated or excited.

We need to consider which of the given options best fits either of these meanings, particularly the figurative one, as it's often used in contexts outside of substance use.

Analyzing the Options for Intoxicating

Let's examine each alternative:

  • Stigmatising: This means describing or regarding something as worthy of disgrace or great disapproval. This is unrelated to the meaning of intoxicating.
  • Stimulating: This means encouraging interest or activity; making someone feel enthusiastic or excited. This meaning aligns well with the figurative sense of "Intoxicating," where something is so exciting or pleasurable that it can feel overwhelming or exhilarating, similar to being affected by a substance.
  • Saddening: This means making someone feel sad. This is the opposite of the feeling often associated with the figurative meaning of intoxicating.
  • Sojourning: This means staying somewhere temporarily. This word describes a short stay and has no relation to the meaning of intoxicating.

Conclusion on the Best Meaning for Intoxicating

Comparing the options, "Stimulating" is the word that best captures the sense of excitement, exhilaration, or strong positive effect that can be associated with the word "Intoxicating" in its broader, non-literal usage. While the primary meaning relates to drugs or alcohol, the figurative meaning is commonly used to describe something that is very exciting or moving, making "Stimulating" the most appropriate synonym among the choices.

Word Meaning Comparison
Word Meaning Relevance to "Intoxicating"
Intoxicating Causing exhilaration or excitement (figurative); affecting by alcohol/drugs (literal) Base word
Stigmatising Disgraceful, disapproved No
Stimulating Exciting, encouraging interest Yes (figurative)
Saddening Making sad No
Sojourning Staying temporarily No

Revision Table: Key Vocabulary

Key Vocabulary Review
Word Definition Example Sentence
Intoxicating Causing strong excitement or happiness; capable of causing intoxication. The view from the mountain top was absolutely intoxicating.
Stigmatising Describing or regarding as worthy of disgrace or disapproval. His actions were widely seen as stigmatising.
Stimulating Encouraging interest or activity; exciting. Reading is a highly stimulating activity for the mind.
Saddening Making someone feel sad. The news of their departure was saddening.
Sojourning Staying somewhere temporarily; a temporary stay. They were sojourning in the countryside for the summer.

Additional Information: Understanding Figurative Language

It's important to recognize that many words have both literal and figurative meanings. The word "Intoxicating" is a good example. Its literal meaning is related to the effects of substances. However, it's very frequently used figuratively to describe anything that creates a powerful feeling of excitement, joy, or exhilaration, like an intoxicating aroma or an intoxicating performance. In such cases, synonyms like "exciting," "exhilarating," or "stimulating" are appropriate.

When solving vocabulary questions, always consider the different possible meanings of a word and how they might apply in various contexts.

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Important Questions from Synonyms or Antonyms

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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. 

  4. 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.

  5. 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.  

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