Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow. Such examples of commercial success, of innovation, drive, vision, determination, adaptability, and adventure are anchored in the basic Indian openness to, and talent for, acquiring material wealth. For every success story there are, of course, dozens of failures. Traditional Indian firms have their strengths, but also their weaknesses, and of these perhaps the most debilitating are a lack of team work and a weakness for quick profit. These reflect ingrained ways of thinking and planning, as does the distrust of anyone outside the family, which inhibits the adoption of modern practices of management. But such weaknesses are more than compensated for by the desire to succeed, which is probably more intense in India, given the omnipresent fear of poverty, the cut-throat competition for each opportunity, and the asphyxiating hold of hierarchy.
Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word with reference to its usage in the passage. Asphyxiating
Smothering
Understanding "Asphyxiating" in the Passage Context
The question asks for the most appropriate synonym of the word "Asphyxiating" as it is used in the provided passage. To find the correct synonym, we need to understand the meaning of the word "Asphyxiating" based on how it's used in the specific context of the passage.
The passage states: "...and the asphyxiating hold of hierarchy."
Here, "asphyxiating" describes the "hold of hierarchy". The word "asphyxiate" generally means to kill or make unconscious by cutting off the supply of oxygen; to suffocate. In a figurative sense, it means to stifle or suppress something, preventing its growth or development.
The phrase "asphyxiating hold of hierarchy" suggests that the hierarchical structure in Indian firms acts as a restrictive force, holding back or stifling something, perhaps innovation, individual initiative, or adaptation, similar to how suffocation prevents breathing or life.
Analyzing the Options
Let's examine each option to see which one best fits the figurative meaning of "asphyxiating" as a stifling or suppressing force in the context of the passage.
- Emancipating: This means setting free from legal, social, or political restrictions. It implies liberation or release. This is the opposite of stifling or restricting.
- Liberating: This means setting someone or something free from a situation, especially imprisonment or slavery. Like "emancipating", it implies freedom and release, which is contrary to the idea of a "hold" that stifles.
- Smothering: This means to cover someone or something completely so that they cannot breathe; to stifle or suppress something, especially a feeling or action. The figurative meaning of stifling or suppressing aligns perfectly with the idea of a restrictive "hold" that prevents growth or expression, as suggested by "asphyxiating hold of hierarchy".
- Unfettering: This means releasing someone from restraints or chains; setting them free. Similar to "emancipating" and "liberating", it implies freedom and the removal of restrictions.
Selecting the Most Appropriate Synonym
Based on the analysis, the options "Emancipating", "Liberating", and "Unfettering" all suggest freedom and the removal of restrictions, which is the opposite of the restrictive nature implied by "asphyxiating hold".
"Smothering", in its figurative sense of stifling or suppressing, accurately reflects the negative, restrictive impact that the passage attributes to the "hold of hierarchy". It implies that the hierarchy suppresses or prevents certain things (like modern management practices or perhaps initiative) from flourishing.
Therefore, "Smothering" is the most appropriate synonym for "Asphyxiating" in this specific context.
Conclusion
The word "Asphyxiating" used in the phrase "asphyxiating hold of hierarchy" means that the hierarchy is stifling or suppressing. Among the given options, "Smothering" most closely matches this meaning in context.
Revision Table: Understanding Synonyms
| Word | General Meaning (Figurative) | Meaning in Passage Context | Option | Option Meaning | Fit in Context? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asphyxiating | Stifling, suppressing | Restrictive hold that suppresses or prevents growth/action | Emancipating | Setting free | No (Opposite) |
| Asphyxiating | Stifling, suppressing | Restrictive hold that suppresses or prevents growth/action | Liberating | Setting free | No (Opposite) |
| Asphyxiating | Stifling, suppressing | Restrictive hold that suppresses or prevents growth/action | Smothering | Stifling, suppressing | Yes |
| Asphyxiating | Stifling, suppressing | Restrictive hold that suppresses or prevents growth/action | Unfettering | Setting free | No (Opposite) |
Additional Information on Contextual Vocabulary
Understanding vocabulary in context is crucial for reading comprehension. The same word can have different meanings depending on how it is used in a sentence or passage. When encountering an unfamiliar word or a familiar word used in an unfamiliar way, always look at the surrounding words and sentences to infer its meaning.
- Context Clues: Pay attention to how the word is used with other words (like "hold" in "asphyxiating hold") and the overall tone of the passage (is it discussing positive or negative aspects of hierarchy?).
- Figurative Language: Many words are used figuratively, especially in descriptive writing. "Asphyxiating" here is not literal suffocation but a metaphor for severe restriction.
- Elimination: If unsure, eliminate options that clearly do not fit the context or have the opposite meaning.
- Synonyms vs. Antonyms: Be careful to distinguish between synonyms (words with similar meanings) and antonyms (words with opposite meanings).
In this question, analyzing how "asphyxiating" describes the "hold of hierarchy" helps reveal its figurative meaning of stifling or suppressing, leading to the correct synonym.
Important Questions from Reading Comprehension
Why, according to the writer can't people be motivated to use a resource prudently?
1. They feel that others may overuse the resource
2. It is possible to substitute the resource
3. Abundance of the resource availability
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
When do people use resources exhaustively?
The self-interest of people affects the use of renewable resources
People rooted in a locality
Which among the following is closest in meaning with the word 'deplete'?
