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Question

Select the most appropriate option for the given group of words.

Too great to be expressed or described in words

This question was previously asked in
SSC CGL 2020 Tier-II (English) Previous Year Paper (29-Jan-2022)
The correct answer is

Ineffable

Understanding One-Word Substitutions

One-word substitution questions test your vocabulary by asking you to find a single word that represents a given phrase or definition. In this case, we are looking for a word that means 'Too great to be expressed or described in words'. Let's look at the options provided.

Analyzing the Options

Let's examine the meaning of each word provided in the options:

  • Ineffable: This word is used to describe something that is too extreme, overwhelming, or divine to be expressed or described in ordinary words. It suggests something beyond human language or comprehension in its depth or magnitude.
  • Indelible: This word means something that cannot be removed, erased, or washed away. It is often used to describe marks, stains, or memories that are permanent.
  • Infallible: This means incapable of making mistakes or being wrong. It is often used to describe a person or an institution that is seen as always correct or reliable.
  • Indispensable: This word means absolutely necessary or essential. If something is indispensable, you cannot do without it.

Identifying the Correct Word

Now, let's compare the meanings of the options with the given phrase: "Too great to be expressed or described in words".

  • 'Indelible' is about permanence, not description.
  • 'Infallible' is about being correct, not description.
  • 'Indispensable' is about necessity, not description.
  • 'Ineffable' directly matches the definition of being "too great to be expressed or described in words".

Therefore, the most appropriate word is Ineffable.

Explanation of the Answer

The word Ineffable perfectly captures the essence of something that is so profound, beautiful, divine, or overwhelming that mere words are insufficient to describe it fully. It points to an experience or quality that transcends linguistic expression.

Meaning of Options
Word Meaning Matches Phrase?
Ineffable Too great to be expressed or described in words Yes
Indelible Not able to be forgotten or removed No
Infallible Incapable of making mistakes or being wrong No
Indispensable Absolutely necessary No

Revision Table: Key Vocabulary

Important One-Word Substitutions
Phrase One Word
Too great to be expressed or described in words Ineffable
Cannot be removed or erased Indelible
Incapable of making mistakes Infallible
Absolutely necessary Indispensable

Additional Information on Describing the Indescribable

While 'ineffable' is specifically about something being beyond verbal expression, there are other words that touch upon the difficulty or impossibility of describing certain experiences or concepts.

  • Transcendental: Describes something that goes beyond normal human experience or knowledge.
  • Sublime: Used for something that is of such excellence, grandeur, or beauty as to inspire great admiration or awe. The sublime can sometimes be difficult to fully articulate.
  • Mystical: Relating to spiritual apprehension of truths inaccessible to the intellect. Mystical experiences are often described as ineffable.

Understanding the nuances between these words helps in accurately describing complex ideas and experiences.

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Similar Questions

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Important Questions from One Word Substitution

  1. For the expression which has been underlined in each of the following sentences, choose the response (a), (b), (c) or (d) which most nearly expresses its meaning.

    The institution decided to give Mrs. Roy’s job to her son not because she was a social worker, but because she haddied in harness.

  2. For the expression which has been underlined in each of the following sentences, choose the response (a), (b), (c) or (d) which most nearly expresses its meaning.

    Your ambition should be inconsonance withyour capabilities.

  3. For the expression which has been underlined in each of the following sentences, choose the response (a), (b), (c) or (d) which most nearly expresses its meaning.

    I could not go up in lifefor want ofproper guidance.

  4. For the expression which has been underlined in each of the following sentences, choose the response (a), (b), (c) or (d) which most nearly expresses its meaning.

    Though he was arrogant, I could notdispense withhis services.

  5. For the expression which has been underlined in each of the following sentences, choose the response (a), (b), (c) or (d) which most nearly expresses its meaning.

    In spite of his hard work, he wasmade a scapegoatfor the failure of the project

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