Select the most appropriate synonym of the highlighted word. The government’s utilitarian stance was appreciated by all.
functional
Understanding the Word Utilitarian
The question asks us to find the most appropriate synonym for the highlighted word "utilitarian". Let's first understand the meaning of the word "utilitarian" in the context of the given sentence: "The government’s utilitarian stance was appreciated by all."
The word utilitarian means designed to be useful or practical rather than attractive. It focuses on the practical application and usefulness of something.
Analyzing the Sentence Context
In the sentence, "The government's utilitarian stance was appreciated by all," it suggests that the government took a position or approach that was focused on practicality and usefulness, and this approach was well-received by people. This implies that the stance was practical, beneficial, or functional for the public.
Evaluating the Options
Let's look at the provided options and determine which one is the closest in meaning to "utilitarian":
- functional: This means designed to be practical and useful, rather than attractive. This aligns closely with the meaning of utilitarian.
- fanciful: This means imaginative or unrealistic; not based on fact or reason. This is the opposite of utilitarian.
- distasteful: This means unpleasant or disagreeable. This relates to taste or feeling, not necessarily practicality.
- necessary: This means required to be done, achieved, or present; essential. While something utilitarian might be necessary, necessity focuses on being essential, whereas utilitarianism focuses on usefulness and practicality.
Identifying the Most Appropriate Synonym
Comparing the options, "functional" is the word that best captures the essence of "utilitarian" as something designed for practical use rather than aesthetics or pure theory. A utilitarian stance is one that is functional and serves a practical purpose.
| Word | Meaning | Relevance to Utilitarian |
|---|---|---|
| Utilitarian | Practical, useful, designed for use rather than beauty | Target word |
| Functional | Designed to be practical and useful | Strong synonym |
| Fanciful | Imaginative, unrealistic | Antonym |
| Distasteful | Unpleasant | Unrelated |
| Necessary | Essential, required | Related concept, but not a direct synonym for 'practicality' |
Based on the analysis, "functional" is the most appropriate synonym for "utilitarian".
Revision Table: Key Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Utilitarian | Practical; useful; designed for use rather than beauty | The building had a simple, utilitarian design. |
| Functional | Practical; working correctly | The new kitchen is very functional and easy to use. |
| Fanciful | Imaginative and unrealistic | She had some fanciful ideas about starting a business. |
| Distasteful | Unpleasant or offensive | He made a distasteful remark. |
| Necessary | Essential; required | Drinking water is absolutely necessary for survival. |
Additional Information on Utilitarianism
Beyond its use as an adjective describing something practical, "utilitarian" is also related to the philosophical concept of Utilitarianism. Utilitarianism is an ethical theory that determines right from wrong by focusing on outcomes. It is a form of consequentialism. Utilitarianism holds that the most ethical choice is the one that will produce the greatest good for the greatest number.
Key aspects of Utilitarianism as a philosophy:
- Focus on consequences: Actions are judged right or wrong based on their outcomes.
- Greatest happiness principle: The goal is to maximize happiness or pleasure and minimize suffering for the majority.
- Impartiality: Everyone's happiness counts equally.
However, in the context of the original sentence and the options provided, the word "utilitarian" is used in its more common adjectival sense meaning practical and useful.
Important Questions from Miscellaneous
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Which of the following statements about the Deccan Riots Commission is/are correct?
1. The Commission did not hold enquiries in the districts which were not affected.
2. The Commission did record the statements of ryots, sahukars and eye-witnesses.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
