Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word.
Mean
Understanding the Word 'Mean' and its Synonym
The word 'Mean' has several meanings depending on the context. Let's explore them to find the most appropriate synonym among the choices provided.
Meanings of 'Mean'
- Average: In mathematics, the mean refers to the average of a set of numbers. For example, the mean of $\{2, 4, 6\}$ is $ \frac{2+4+6}{3} = 4 $.
- Unkind/Cruel: As an adjective, 'mean' can describe someone who is unkind, spiteful, or cruel. Example: "It was mean of him to say that."
- Intend/Signify: As a verb, 'mean' indicates intention or signifies something. Example: "What do you mean by that?"
- Stingy/Avaricious: As an adjective, 'mean' can also describe someone who is unwilling to spend or share; miserly. This meaning is closely related to being 'greedy'. Example: "He's too mean to buy a round of drinks."
- Inferior/Poor Quality: Sometimes used to describe something of low quality or standard. Example: "They lived in a mean little house."
Analyzing the Options
We need to find the best synonym for 'Mean' from the given options, considering its various meanings, particularly the one related to negative personal traits.
- Option 1: Greedy - This word describes a strong desire for more wealth or possessions than one needs. This aligns very well with the meaning of 'mean' as stingy or avaricious.
- Option 2: Unconscious - This means not awake or aware of one's surroundings. It has no relation to any common meaning of 'mean'.
- Option 3: Mode - In statistics, the mode is the value that appears most frequently in a data set. While related to the mathematical meaning of 'mean' (average), 'mode' is a distinct statistical term and not a synonym for 'mean' in general usage.
- Option 4: Wise - This means having or showing experience, knowledge, and good judgment. It is the opposite of foolishness and has no connection to the word 'mean'.
Conclusion
Based on the analysis, the meaning of 'mean' as stingy or avaricious is best represented by the word 'Greedy'. Therefore, 'Greedy' is the most appropriate synonym among the given choices.
| Word | Possible Meanings | Related Option | Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mean | Stingy, Avaricious | Greedy | Best Fit: 'Greedy' directly relates to the avaricious sense of 'mean'. |
| Mean | Unkind, Cruel | Unconscious | Incorrect: No relation in meaning. |
| Mean | Average (Math) | Mode | Incorrect: Related field (statistics) but different concepts. |
| Mean | (Not Applicable) | Wise | Incorrect: Opposite meanings in some contexts, unrelated otherwise. |
Important Questions from Synonyms or Antonyms
A sentence with an underlined word is given below. Select the most appropriate antonym for the underlined word.
Whether the rewards arein commensurate withthe efforts or not, a society will always have workaholics and the shirk workgroups.
The following question consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words. Select the word that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response accordingly.
Wars leave behind a large number ofemaciatedsoldiers in the camps of both the victorious and the vanquished.
A sentence with an underlined word is given below. Select the most appropriate antonym for the underlined word.
There was amammothgathering to listen to the leader.
The following question consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words. Select the word that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response accordingly.
The audience thoroughly enjoyed thehilariousdrama.
A sentence with an underlined word is given below. Select the most appropriate antonym for the underlined word.
The writer’seruditionin science is revealed in every page of the book.
