All Exams Test series for 1 year @ ₹349 only
Question

Select the correct option:
Far from being a liability, his dissenting views often served as a ____ to complacency within the group.

This question was previously asked in
SSC CGL 2025 Tier 2 Paper 1 Question Paper (19-Jan-2026)
The correct answer is
counterweight

Vocabulary MCQ: Dissenting Views in Groups

The question asks for a word that describes how dissenting views, far from being a problem, acted as a balancing force against complacency within a group.

Solution Breakdown

We need to find a word that means a force that balances or counteracts another.

  • The sentence structure "Far from being a liability... served as a ____" suggests the blank should be filled with a positive or neutral term that counteracts the negative idea of 'liability' and the problem of 'complacency'.
  • Dissenting views are opinions that disagree with the majority.
  • Complacency is a sense of satisfaction with the current situation, often leading to inaction or lack of awareness of potential dangers.
  • The dissenting views acted as a force to prevent or reduce this complacency.

Analyzing Options

  • counterweight>: This refers to something that balances another weight or force. In this context, dissenting views act as a balance to group complacency, preventing it from becoming excessive. This fits the context perfectly.
  • detriment>: This means harm or damage. Dissenting views are stated to be *not* a liability, so they wouldn't be a detriment.
  • digression>: This means straying from the main topic. While dissent can sometimes lead to tangents, its primary function here is described as balancing complacency, not simply deviating from the subject.
  • repudiation>: This means rejection or disowning. It doesn't fit the idea of balancing or counteracting complacency.

Therefore, 'counterweight' is the most suitable word because dissenting views provided a necessary counterbalance to the group's tendency towards complacency.

Was this answer helpful?

Similar Questions

  1. Out of the four alternatives, choose the one which can be substituted for the given words/sentences. 
    A person who has lost the protection of the law
  2. Out of the four alternatives, choose the one which can be substituted for the given words/sentences. 
    Falsification of documents etc.
  3. Out of the four alternatives, choose the one which can be substituted for the given words/sentences. 
    To make atonement for one's sins
  4. Choose the correct phrasal verb:
    The professor asked the student to ______ on her thesis argument.
  5. Choose the correct semantic fit:

    The intervention was seen as a ____ to escalating tensions.

  6. Fill in the blank with the right phrasal verb:
    The investigation was ____ after new evidence emerged.

  7. Fill in the blank with the correct option:

    He spoke so ____ that the audience was mesmerized.

  8. Select the correct option:

    The reforms, while ostensibly motivated by economic exigencies, were in effect a veiled attempt to ____ dissent under the guise of austerity.

  9. Fill in the blank with the correctly spelt word.

    The ________ of the ancient manuscript was a painstaking process.
  10. Select the correct option:
    The director demanded the screenplay be revised to eliminate ___ dialogue.

Important Questions from Fill in the Blanks

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

Need Expert Advice?
Upcoming Exams
UPSSSC PET
October 30, 2026
SSC JE
November 02, 2026
SSC CPO
November 23, 2026
SSC CHSL
November 30, 2026
Test Series
SSC CGL img
SSC
SSC CGL (Tier I + Tier II) 2026 Mock Test Series - Latest Pattern
2509 Tests 6 Tests Free
8739 Attempts
4.2(939)
English, Hindi

Start Your Preparation with Prepp Mobile App

Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Prepp Mobile App