Select the most appropriate synonym of the highlighted word. Thehaplessincident was a result of sheer negligence by the authorities.
ill- fated
Finding the Synonym for Hapless
The question asks for the most appropriate synonym for the highlighted word "hapless" in the sentence: "The hapless incident was a result of sheer negligence by the authorities."
To find the correct synonym, we need to understand the meaning of "hapless" in this context. The sentence describes an incident that occurred due to negligence. Negligence usually leads to negative outcomes.
"Hapless" is an adjective that means unfortunate or having bad luck. When describing an incident, it suggests an unfortunate event, one that brings bad luck or is doomed to be bad.
Analyzing the Options
Let's look at the provided options and see which one fits the meaning of "hapless" best:
| Option | Meaning | Fit with "hapless"? |
|---|---|---|
| 1. triumphant | Having won a victory; feeling or expressing joy after victory. | No, this is positive and related to success. |
| 2. joyful | Feeling, expressing, or causing great pleasure and happiness. | No, this is also positive and relates to happiness. |
| 3. grateful | Feeling or showing an appreciation for something. | No, this relates to thankfulness, not the nature of an incident. |
| 4. ill-fated | Destined to fail or have bad luck; unfortunate. | Yes, this directly aligns with the meaning of unfortunate or having bad luck, fitting the context of a negative incident caused by negligence. |
Choosing the Most Appropriate Synonym
Based on the analysis, "ill-fated" is the word that most closely matches the meaning of "hapless" as unfortunate or having bad luck, which suits the description of an incident resulting from negligence.
Conclusion
Therefore, the most appropriate synonym for "hapless" is "ill-fated".
Revision Table: Understanding Synonyms
| Word | Meaning | Example Synonym(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Hapless | Unfortunate, having bad luck | ill-fated, unlucky, star-crossed |
| Triumphant | Victorious, successful | conquering, winning |
| Joyful | Full of happiness and pleasure | happy, cheerful, glad |
| Grateful | Feeling or showing thanks | thankful, appreciative |
| Ill-fated | Destined to fail or have bad luck | unfortunate, unlucky, doomed |
Additional Information on Vocabulary Building
Building a strong vocabulary is essential for understanding and using English effectively, especially in exams. Here are some tips:
- Read widely: Encountering words in different contexts helps you understand their meanings and nuances.
- Use a dictionary and thesaurus: Look up new words and explore their synonyms and antonyms.
- Practice using new words: Try to incorporate new vocabulary into your writing and speaking.
- Use flashcards or vocabulary apps: Regularly test yourself on words you are trying to learn.
- Learn word roots, prefixes, and suffixes: Understanding these can help you figure out the meaning of unfamiliar words.
Focusing on synonyms helps you express yourself with greater precision and variety.
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