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Question

Select the most appropriate SYNONYM of the given word.

Penalise

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

Punish

Finding the Synonym of Penalise

Understanding vocabulary is crucial for language proficiency. In this question, we need to find the word that has a similar meaning, or is a synonym, for the word "Penalise". Let's break down the word and the options provided.

What does Penalise mean?

The word 'Penalise' means to subject someone to a penalty or punishment. It typically involves imposing a disadvantage on someone for breaking a rule or committing an offence. Think of sports where a player might be penalised for fouling, or in school where a student might be penalised for misbehavior.

Keywords: Penalise definition, meaning of Penalise, Penalise in English

Analyzing the Options for Penalise Synonym

Let's look at each option and determine its meaning to see which one is the closest in meaning to 'Penalise'.

  • Option 1: Praise
  • 'Praise' means to express approval or admiration for someone or something. This is the opposite of punishing someone.
  • Option 2: Punish
  • 'Punish' means to inflict a penalty or sanction on someone as retribution for an offense, especially a legal or moral one. This meaning aligns very closely with the definition of 'Penalise'.
  • Option 3: Pretend
  • 'Pretend' means to act out or give the appearance of something, typically to deceive. This word has no relation to the meaning of 'Penalise'.
  • Option 4: Protect
  • 'Protect' means to keep safe from harm or injury. This word also has no relation to the meaning of 'Penalise'.

Comparing the options, 'Punish' is clearly the word that is most similar in meaning to 'Penalise'.

Word Meaning Relation to Penalise
Penalise To subject someone to a penalty or punishment. The base word.
Praise To express approval or admiration. Opposite of Penalise (Antonym).
Punish To inflict a penalty or sanction. Similar meaning (Synonym).
Pretend To act out something to deceive. Unrelated meaning.
Protect To keep safe from harm. Unrelated meaning.

Conclusion: The Synonym of Penalise

Based on the definitions and analysis of the options, the most appropriate synonym for 'Penalise' is 'Punish'. Both words involve the concept of imposing a penalty or consequence for an action.

Keywords: Penalise synonym, synonym for Penalise, Penalise Punish

Revision Table: Key Vocabulary

Word Type Meaning in Context
Penalise Verb To impose a penalty or punishment on.
Praise Verb/Noun To express approval/admiration; expression of approval/admiration.
Punish Verb To inflict a penalty on as retribution.
Pretend Verb To behave so as to make it appear that something is the case when it is not.
Protect Verb To keep safe from harm or injury.
Synonym Noun A word or phrase that means exactly or nearly the same as another word or phrase.
Antonym Noun A word opposite in meaning to another.

Additional Information on Synonyms and Antonyms

Learning synonyms and antonyms is a great way to expand your vocabulary and improve your understanding of word relationships. Synonyms are words with similar meanings, while antonyms are words with opposite meanings.

  • Why learn synonyms?
  • Using synonyms helps you avoid repetition and makes your writing and speaking more interesting and precise.
  • Understanding synonyms can help you grasp the nuances between words that are close in meaning.
  • Why learn antonyms?
  • Antonyms help you understand the full spectrum of a word's meaning by showing its opposite.
  • They can be useful in contrasting ideas or showing differences.

For example, knowing that 'happy' and 'joyful' are synonyms, and 'happy' and 'sad' are antonyms, helps build a stronger vocabulary network.

Keywords: Learn synonyms, English vocabulary, word meanings, antonyms, vocabulary building

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