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Question

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

Barbarous

The correct answer is

Crude

Understanding the Meaning of Barbarous

The question asks us to find the word that best expresses the meaning of "Barbarous". Let's first understand what "Barbarous" means.

The word Barbarous typically describes something extremely cruel, savage, or uncivilized. It can refer to actions, people, or even places that lack refinement, education, or culture, often in a harsh or brutal way.

Analyzing the Options

Let's look at the given options and their meanings:

  • Refined: This means highly developed, elegant, or cultured. It suggests sophistication and politeness.
  • Polite: This refers to having or showing behavior that is respectful and considerate of other people. It implies good manners and civility.
  • Crude: This word has several meanings, including:
    • In a raw or unprepared state.
    • Lacking refinement or sophistication; simple or basic.
    • Roughly made or done.
    • Rude or vulgar, especially in relation to sexual matters.
    • Brutally direct or harsh.
  • Civilized: This means having an advanced or developed society or culture. It is the opposite of savage or primitive.

Comparing Barbarous with Options

Now, let's compare the meaning of "Barbarous" with each option to find the closest match:

Word Meaning Related to Barbarous Similarity to Barbarous
Barbarous Cruel, savage, uncivilized, lacking refinement/culture Base comparison
Refined Cultured, elegant, sophisticated Opposite
Polite Respectful, considerate, well-mannered Opposite
Crude Lacking refinement, roughly made, brutal, harsh Similar (lacking refinement, harsh/brutal aspects)
Civilized Having advanced society/culture, opposite of savage Opposite

From the comparison, we can see that "Refined", "Polite", and "Civilized" are all words that describe qualities opposite to "Barbarous". "Barbarous" implies a lack of civility, refinement, and politeness, often associated with harsh or savage behaviour.

The word "Crude" fits best. One meaning of "Crude" is lacking refinement or sophistication, which aligns with "Barbarous" in the sense of being uncivilized or lacking culture. Another meaning is harsh or brutal, which also aligns with the savage or cruel aspects of "Barbarous". While "Crude" doesn't perfectly capture the "cruel" aspect every time, its sense of 'lacking refinement' and 'harshness' makes it the closest synonym among the given options.

Conclusion: Best Synonym for Barbarous

Considering the meanings, the word that best expresses the meaning of "Barbarous" among the given alternatives is "Crude". It shares the sense of lacking refinement and can sometimes imply harshness or brutality.

Revision Table: Barbarous Meaning

Word Synonym (Close Meaning) Antonym (Opposite Meaning)
Barbarous Crude, Savage, Cruel, Uncivilized Refined, Polite, Civilized, Cultured

Additional Information: Exploring Barbarous and Related Terms

The word "Barbarous" comes from a Greek word referring to non-Greek speaking people, who were considered uncivilized. Over time, the term evolved to mean not just foreign or uncivilized, but also savage and cruel.

Related terms include:

  • Savage: Fierce, cruel, and uncontrolled.
  • Brutal: Savagely violent or ruthless.
  • Primitive: Relating to an early stage in the evolutionary or historical development of something; not sophisticated or developed.

Understanding the nuances of these words helps in choosing the best synonym depending on the specific context in which "Barbarous" is used. In this case, "Crude" captures the sense of lacking refinement and being somewhat rough or harsh, which is a key aspect of being barbarous.

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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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