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Question

Select the most appropriate synonym of the underlined word in the following sentence.

She wore a whimsical dress adorned with colourful patterns.

This question was previously asked in
SSC Stenographer 2023 Previous Year Paper (13-Oct-2023) (Shift 3)
The correct answer is

Weird

Let's break down the meaning of the word "whimsical" as used in the sentence: "She wore a whimsical dress adorned with colourful patterns."

Understanding the Meaning of Whimsical

"Whimsical" is an adjective used to describe something that is playfully odd, capricious, fanciful, or unpredictable. When applied to a dress, it suggests a design that is unusual, perhaps eccentric, and reflects a playful or imaginative style rather than something strictly conventional or serious.

Now let's look at the given options to find the most appropriate synonym for "whimsical" in this context.

Analysing Synonym Options for Whimsical

  • Tragic: This word relates to deep sadness, disaster, or suffering. A tragic dress doesn't make sense in this context, as "whimsical" refers to style or design, not emotion or misfortune. So, 'Tragic' is not a synonym for 'whimsical'.
  • Sensible: This means practical, functional, or reasonable. A sensible dress would likely be plain and suitable for a particular purpose, which is the opposite of something playfully odd or fanciful. So, 'Sensible' is not a synonym for 'whimsical'.
  • Fashionable: This describes something that is currently popular or in style. While a whimsical dress *could* be fashionable, being fashionable isn't the definition of being whimsical. Whimsical refers to the nature of the design (playfully unusual), not its popularity. So, 'Fashionable' is not the most appropriate synonym for 'whimsical'.
  • Weird: This word means strange, unusual, or eccentric. In the context of a dress design, 'weird' can often overlap with 'whimsical' as both describe something that is not conventional or ordinary. 'Weird' captures the "odd" or "unusual" aspect of a whimsical design quite well.

Identifying the Best Synonym for Whimsical

Comparing the options, 'Weird' is the closest synonym to 'whimsical' among the choices provided. A whimsical dress is often perceived as weird because of its unusual or eccentric design and patterns, reflecting a playful or unconventional taste.

Therefore, 'Weird' is the most appropriate synonym for 'whimsical' in the given sentence.

Synonym Analysis
Word Meaning Related to Dress Fit as Synonym for Whimsical?
Whimsical Playfully unusual, fanciful, eccentric design --
Tragic Related to sadness/disaster (not applicable) No
Sensible Practical, conventional No
Fashionable In current style (not core meaning of whimsical) Not the best fit
Weird Strange, unusual, eccentric Yes, most appropriate among options

Revision Table: Vocabulary Study

Reviewing vocabulary words and their meanings is key to improving English language skills. Understanding synonyms helps in using words more precisely and expanding your vocabulary.

Common Vocabulary Words & Synonyms
Word Meaning Synonym Example
Whimsical Playfully odd, fanciful Weird, Quirky, Eccentric
Tragic Causing great sadness Disastrous, Calamitous
Sensible Practical and functional Reasonable, Practical
Fashionable In style Stylish, Trendy
Weird Strange, unusual Odd, Peculiar

Additional Information: Understanding Word Meanings

Choosing the best synonym often depends on the specific context in which the word is used. While a dictionary might list several synonyms, the most appropriate one for a sentence should fit logically and maintain the intended meaning.

  • Synonyms are words with similar meanings, but they are not always interchangeable.
  • Context is crucial for selecting the most accurate synonym.
  • Expanding your vocabulary by learning new words and their synonyms helps improve reading comprehension and writing expression.
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