In the following question, the sentence given with blank to be filled in with an appropriate word. Select the correct alternative out of the four and indicate it by selecting the appropriate option. The power of silence is in its ability to mediate the ______.
irreconcilable
Understanding the Power of Silence in Mediation
The question asks us to choose the most appropriate word to complete the sentence: "The power of silence is in its ability to mediate the ______." We need to find a word that describes something that silence can help to resolve or bring agreement to.
Let's examine the options provided:
- excitable: This refers to someone or something that is easily excited or agitated. While silence might calm an excitable person, the phrase "mediate the excitable" doesn't fit the typical usage of 'mediate'. You mediate a situation, a conflict, or differences, not usually a state of being like 'excitable'.
- irreconcilable: This describes differences, disagreements, or conflicts that are so severe or fundamental that they seem impossible to resolve or bring into agreement. Silence can often play a powerful role in mediating such situations. By providing space for reflection, calming heightened emotions, and preventing impulsive reactions, silence can help bridge seemingly irreconcilable gaps.
- excusable: This means capable of being excused or justified. Silence doesn't mediate something that is excusable. If something is excusable, it means it can be pardoned or understood, which is unrelated to the function of mediation.
- fashionable: This relates to being currently popular or in style. Silence has no connection to fashion.
Considering the meaning of 'mediate' (to intervene between parties in a dispute to bring about an agreement or reconciliation), the word that best fits the blank is 'irreconcilable'. Silence can help mediate disagreements or conflicts that appear impossible to reconcile.
Therefore, the sentence reads: "The power of silence is in its ability to mediate the irreconcilable."
Explanation of Key Terms
- Mediate: To intervene in a dispute in order to bring about an agreement or reconciliation.
- Irreconcilable: (of ideas, facts, or statements) representing findings or points of view that are so different from each other that they cannot be made compatible. (of people or groups) unable to find agreement on something.
Revision Table: Analyzing Options
| Option | Meaning | Fit in Sentence | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|---|
| excitable | Easily excited | No | 'Mediate' typically applies to situations, not states of being like 'excitable'. |
| irreconcilable | Impossible to reconcile | Yes | Silence can help resolve seemingly unresolvable differences or conflicts. |
| excusable | Capable of being excused | No | Silence doesn't mediate something that can be excused. |
| fashionable | In style | No | Silence is unrelated to fashion. |
Additional Information: The Role of Silence
Silence is often underestimated in communication and conflict resolution. It can serve multiple purposes:
- Allows Reflection: Giving space for individuals to think before speaking.
- Calms Emotions: Reducing tension and preventing heated exchanges.
- Creates Space: Allowing new perspectives or solutions to emerge.
- Shows Presence: Sometimes, simply being present in silence can be supportive.
In mediating conflicts, especially those that seem irreconcilable due to strong emotions or rigid positions, strategic use of silence can be more effective than continuous talking.
Important Questions from Fill in the Blanks
Directions: Fill in the blanks with the word that best completes the sentence.
At times he gets very angry, and then no one can_______ him.
Each of the following sentences has a blank space and four words are given below it. Select the word or group of words you consider most appropriate for the blank space and indicate your response accordingly.
Many people today have fallen into utter confusion of values with the result that they cannot______ the good from the bad.
Each of the following sentences has a blank space and four words are given below it. Select the word or group of words you consider most appropriate for the blank space and indicate your response accordingly
If Mohan________ at 5 a.m., he would not have missed the train.
Each of the following sentences has a blank space and four words are given below it. Select the word or group of words you consider most appropriate for the blank space and indicate your response accordingly.
His property was divided ______ his daughters and sons.
Each of the following sentences has a blank space and four words are given below it. Select the word or group of words you consider most appropriate for the blank space and indicate your response accordingly
His persistence in his misdemeanours has lowered him in the________ of everyone who knows him.
