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Question

Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word.

DISHEARTENED

This question was previously asked in
SSC CGL 2019 (Tier 2) GS Finance & Economics Previous Year Paper (17-Nov-2020)
The correct answer is

depressed

Understanding the Word: DISHEARTENED

The question asks us to select the most appropriate synonym for the word "DISHEARTENED" from the given options. A synonym is a word or phrase that means exactly or nearly the same as another word or phrase in the same language.

Let's first understand the meaning of the word DISHEARTENED.

DISHEARTENED means having lost determination, hope, or confidence. It describes a feeling of discouragement and a loss of spirit or morale.

Analyzing the Options

Now let's look at the meanings of the given options:

  • disgraced: Having lost respect or reputation; humiliated. This relates to public perception and honor, not necessarily a personal feeling of losing hope.
  • depressed: In a state of low spirits, sadness, or unhappiness; feeling dejected. This describes a state of low mood and lack of energy or enthusiasm, often associated with losing hope or feeling down.
  • disliked: Not liked; regarded with aversion or distaste. This is about being the object of someone else's negative feeling, not a personal state of mind related to hope or determination.
  • disgusted: Feeling or expressing revulsion or strong disapproval caused by something unpleasant or offensive. This is a reaction of revulsion or strong disapproval, which is different from losing hope or determination.

Comparing Meanings

Let's compare how each option relates to the core meaning of DISHEARTENED (losing hope/determination):

Word Meaning Relation to DISHEARTENED (Losing hope/determination)
DISHEARTENED Lost determination, hope, or confidence Base word
Disgraced Lost respect/reputation Different focus (external perception vs. internal state)
Depressed Low spirits, dejected, unhappy Closely related, captures the feeling of being down due to loss of hope or morale
Disliked Not liked by others Unrelated (external feeling towards someone vs. internal state)
Disgusted Feeling revulsion/strong disapproval Different emotion

Selecting the Most Appropriate Synonym

Based on the meanings, "depressed" is the closest synonym for "disheartened." While "depressed" can indicate a longer-term clinical condition, it also commonly describes a temporary state of low spirits and dejection caused by disappointment or loss of hope, which aligns well with being disheartened.

When someone is disheartened, they feel discouraged and low in spirits because something has reduced their hope or enthusiasm. This feeling is very similar to being depressed or dejected in that moment.

Therefore, among the given options, "depressed" is the most appropriate synonym for DISHEARTENED.

Revision Table: Key Vocabulary

Word Meaning Part of Speech
DISHEARTENED Having lost determination, hope, or confidence; discouraged. Adjective
Disgraced Having lost respect or reputation. Adjective / Verb (past participle)
Depressed In a state of low spirits or sadness; dejected. Adjective / Verb (past participle)
Disliked Not liked; regarded with aversion. Adjective / Verb (past participle)
Disgusted Feeling or showing revulsion or strong disapproval. Adjective / Verb (past participle)
Synonym A word or phrase that means exactly or nearly the same as another word or phrase. Noun

Additional Information: Expanding Vocabulary

Learning synonyms and antonyms is a great way to expand your vocabulary. While "depressed" is a good synonym for "disheartened" in many contexts, other words that convey a similar meaning might include:

  • Discouraged
  • Dejected
  • Demoralized
  • Downcast
  • Low-spirited

Antonyms for DISHEARTENED could be words like:

  • Encouraged
  • Heartened
  • Optimistic
  • Enthusiastic
  • Spirited

Paying attention to the nuances in meaning between similar words helps in using language more precisely.

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