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Question

Item in this consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words, (a), (b), (c), and (d). Select the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response in your Answer Sheet accordingly.

He is essentially a lowbrow person.

This question was previously asked in
NDA I 2021 GAT Previous Year Paper (18-Apr-2021)
The correct answer is

coarse

Understanding the Meaning of 'Lowbrow'

The question asks us to identify the word that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word 'lowbrow' in the sentence, "He is essentially a lowbrow person." To answer this, we need to understand the meaning of 'lowbrow' and compare it with the given options.

Defining 'Lowbrow'

The term 'lowbrow' is used to describe a person or thing that is not intellectual or cultured. It refers to someone who lacks refined tastes, interests, or manners. It's often associated with popular, easily accessible forms of entertainment or culture rather than more complex or intellectual ones.

So, a 'lowbrow' person is essentially someone considered uncultured or lacking in sophistication.

Analyzing the Options

Let's examine each option to see which one is closest in meaning to 'lowbrow':

  • (a) coarse: This word means lacking refinement or sophistication; crude. It can describe manners, language, or taste that are considered rough or vulgar.
  • (b) proud: This word means feeling deep pleasure or satisfaction from one's own achievements or qualities. It is related to feelings of self-worth or dignity, not cultural refinement.
  • (c) passionate: This word means having or expressing strong emotions or beliefs. It describes intensity of feeling, not cultural level.
  • (d) pathetic: This word means arousing pity, especially through vulnerability or sadness. It relates to evoking sympathy, not cultural sophistication.

Comparing Meanings

Comparing the definitions, we see that 'coarse' directly relates to a lack of refinement or sophistication, which is the core meaning of 'lowbrow'. While 'lowbrow' specifically relates to cultural and intellectual tastes, 'coarse' describes a general lack of refinement that fits well in this context.

The other options, 'proud', 'passionate', and 'pathetic', have meanings completely unrelated to cultural or intellectual levels.

Conclusion

Based on the analysis of the word meanings, the option that is nearest in meaning to 'lowbrow' is 'coarse'. Both terms describe something or someone lacking in refinement or sophistication.

Word Comparison: Lowbrow vs. Options
Word Meaning Relation to 'Lowbrow' (Lacking Refinement/Culture)
Lowbrow Lacking intellectual or cultured tastes; unrefined. ---
Coarse Lacking refinement; crude. Directly related; describes lack of refinement.
Proud Feeling satisfied with achievements. Unrelated.
Passionate Having strong emotions. Unrelated.
Pathetic Arousing pity. Unrelated.

Revision Table: Vocabulary Building

Vocabulary: Lowbrow and Synonym
Word Type Meaning Synonym (from options)
lowbrow Adjective/Noun Not intellectual or cultured; unrefined. coarse

Additional Information: Levels of Culture

The term 'lowbrow' is part of a set of terms used to categorize cultural tastes and interests:

  • Highbrow: Refers to culture and intellect considered sophisticated and complex, typically associated with academic or elite tastes (e.g., classical music, experimental theatre, literary fiction).
  • Middlebrow: Refers to culture and interests considered accessible but still respectable, falling between highbrow and lowbrow (e.g., mainstream theatre, popular science books, quality television dramas).
  • Lowbrow: Refers to culture and interests considered easily accessible, popular, and lacking in intellectual depth or sophistication (e.g., reality TV, popular music, tabloid magazines).

Understanding these distinctions helps in grasping the specific nuance of the word 'lowbrow' in describing a person's cultural preferences and level of refinement.

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