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Question

Select the most appropriate option that can substitute the underlined words in the given sentence.

Upon hearing the great achievements of the historic character, he was in a state of awed admiration and respect.

The correct answer is

wonderment

Finding the Right Word: Substituting 'Awed Admiration and Respect'

The question asks us to find a single word or phrase from the options provided that can effectively replace the underlined words "in a state of awed admiration and respect" in the given sentence:

Upon hearing the great achievements of the historic character, he was in a state of awed admiration and respect.

Let's break down the meaning of the underlined phrase:

  • Awed: Filled with or expressing awe; feeling or showing solemn wonder.
  • Admiration: Respect and warm approval.
  • Respect: A feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements.
  • In a state of: Experiencing or being in a particular condition.

So, "in a state of awed admiration and respect" describes a condition where someone feels a combination of solemn wonder, deep admiration, and respect, typically due to something impressive like great achievements.

Analyzing the Options

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

  1. wonder: A feeling of amazement and curiosity, sometimes mixed with dread or fear. While related to awe, it doesn't fully capture the 'admiration and respect' aspects as strongly as the original phrase.
  2. awed: This is part of the original phrase, an adjective describing the feeling of awe. It doesn't substitute the entire state of feeling awe, admiration, and respect.
  3. wondering: The present participle of 'wonder'. It describes the act of thinking or speculating about something with curiosity or doubt, which is not the intended meaning here. The sentence describes a state of feeling, not an action of questioning.
  4. wonderment: A state of awed admiration or wonder. This word specifically combines the ideas of awe and admiration, closely matching the core feelings expressed in the original phrase "awed admiration and respect". It implies a state of being filled with these feelings.

Comparing Options to the Phrase

We need a word that encapsulates the idea of being in a state that combines awe, admiration, and respect. Let's compare how well each option fits:

Option Meaning Fits "in a state of awed admiration and respect"?
wonder Amazement and curiosity (can include dread/fear) Partially, captures awe/amazement, but less focus on admiration/respect in all contexts.
awed Feeling or showing solemn wonder No, it's an adjective describing part of the state, not the state itself.
wondering Thinking or speculating with curiosity/doubt No, describes an action of thinking, not a state of feeling awe, admiration, and respect.
wonderment A state of awed admiration or wonder Yes, specifically defines a state encompassing awed admiration.

Based on the analysis, "wonderment" is the most fitting single word to substitute the phrase "in a state of awed admiration and respect" because its definition directly includes "a state of awed admiration".

Conclusion

The word "wonderment" is the most appropriate substitute for the underlined phrase "in a state of awed admiration and respect". It accurately conveys the feeling of being filled with awe and admiration upon witnessing something impressive like great achievements.

Revision Table: Understanding Vocabulary Substitution

Concept Explanation Importance
Vocabulary Substitution Replacing words or phrases in a sentence with synonyms or equivalent expressions. Improves sentence flow, avoids repetition, demonstrates understanding of nuances in meaning.
Context is Key The most appropriate substitute depends heavily on how the word/phrase is used in the specific sentence. Ensures the substituted word maintains or enhances the original meaning and tone.
Analyzing Options Understanding the precise meaning of each choice and comparing it to the original phrase's meaning and context. Helps in selecting the best fit among similar-sounding or related words.

Additional Information: The Power of Precise Language

Choosing the right word can significantly impact the clarity and impact of a sentence. While several words might seem related, their specific connotations and common usage determine their appropriateness in a given context. In this case, "wonderment" is a noun that describes a specific emotional state that aligns perfectly with the combination of awe, admiration, and respect mentioned in the original sentence. Understanding these subtle differences in meaning is crucial for effective communication and for excelling in vocabulary-based questions.

  • Synonyms: Words with similar meanings. Finding the best synonym often requires considering the exact shade of meaning needed.
  • Nouns vs. Adjectives vs. Verbs: Understanding the grammatical function of a word is vital. "Awed" is an adjective, while "wonderment" is a noun describing a state. We need a noun here to replace "a state of...".
  • Phrasal Substitutions: Sometimes, a single word can replace a whole phrase, making the sentence more concise and elegant.
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Important Questions from Miscellaneous

  1. A stone is thrown horizontally from the top of a 20 m high building with a speed of 12 m/s. It hits the ground at a distance R from the building. Taking g = 10 m/s2 and neglecting air resistance will give :

  2. A mass is attached to a spring that hangs vertically. The extension produced in the spring is 6 cm on Earth. The acceleration due to gravity on the surface of the Moon is one-sixth of its value on the surface of the Earth. The extension of the spring on the Moon would be:

  3. Directions: Each 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 your Answer Sheet accordingly.

    The deluge affected the population.
  4. The major source of vitamins and minerals for vegetarians is

  5. Which of the following statements about the Deccan Riots Commission is/are correct?

    1. The Commission did not hold enquiries in the districts which were not affected.

    2. The Commission did record the statements of ryots, sahukars and eye-witnesses.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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