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Question

Select the most appropriate synonym of the word ‘Capable’ from the given sentence.

Jayesh was competent and the best candidate for the post of clerk in the interview, whereas others were inefficient and irritating.

The correct answer is

competent

Finding the Synonym for 'Capable'

The question asks us to find the most appropriate synonym for the word ‘Capable’ from the given sentence: "Jayesh was competent and the best candidate for the post of clerk in the interview, whereas others were inefficient and irritating."

A synonym is a word or phrase that means exactly or nearly the same as another word or phrase in the same language. We need to look at the words provided in the sentence that also appear in the options and determine which one is closest in meaning to ‘Capable’.

Understanding the Word 'Capable'

‘Capable’ means having the ability, fitness, or quality necessary to do or achieve a specified thing. Someone who is capable is able to perform tasks or duties effectively.

Analyzing the Sentence and Options

The sentence describes Jayesh as being "competent and the best candidate" and contrasts him with others who were "inefficient and irritating". The words from the sentence that are also options are:

  • best
  • irritating
  • competent
  • inefficient

Let's examine the meaning of each of these words in the context of being a candidate for a post and see how they relate to ‘Capable’.

Word Meaning Relationship to 'Capable'
best Ranking above all others; most excellent or suitable. While a capable person might be the best candidate, 'best' refers to ranking, not the ability itself. Not a direct synonym.
irritating Making someone annoyed, impatient, or angry. Refers to causing annoyance. Completely unrelated to ability or capability. Not a synonym.
competent Having the necessary ability, knowledge, or skill to do something successfully. Directly refers to possessing the required skills and ability to perform a task. This is very close in meaning to 'Capable'.
inefficient Not achieving maximum productivity; wasting time or energy. Not performing tasks effectively. Means lacking the ability or skill to do something effectively. This is the opposite of 'Capable'. It is an antonym.

Identifying the Most Appropriate Synonym

Comparing the meanings, we can see that ‘competent’ is the word that is closest in meaning to ‘Capable’. If someone is ‘Capable’, they have the ability to do something, and if they are ‘competent’, they have the necessary ability, knowledge, or skill to do it successfully.

In the sentence, saying "Jayesh was competent" is very similar to saying "Jayesh was capable" in the context of being considered for a job post.

Why Other Options Are Not Synonyms

  • best: Describes his rank among candidates, not his inherent ability.
  • irritating: Describes his personality trait, irrelevant to his ability for the job.
  • inefficient: Describes a lack of ability or effectiveness, making it an antonym, not a synonym, of ‘Capable’.

Therefore, among the given options from the sentence, ‘competent’ is the most appropriate synonym for ‘Capable’.

Revision Table: Understanding Synonyms

Term Definition Example
Synonym A word or phrase that means exactly or nearly the same as another word or phrase. Happy and joyful are synonyms.
Antonym A word opposite in meaning to another. Happy and sad are antonyms.
Capable Having the ability or quality necessary to do something. She is capable of solving complex problems.
Competent Having the necessary ability, knowledge, or skill to do something successfully. He is a competent driver.

Additional Information on Vocabulary Building

Building a strong vocabulary is crucial for understanding and using language effectively. When you encounter a new word, try to:

  • Look up its definition.
  • Identify its synonyms and antonyms.
  • See how it is used in different sentences.
  • Use the word yourself in writing or speaking.

Understanding synonyms helps you to express yourself more precisely and avoid repetition. Knowing antonyms helps you to clarify the meaning of a word by understanding what it is not.

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Important Questions from Synonyms or Antonyms

  1. Directions: Each item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four options, (a), (b), (c) and (d). Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response accordingly.

    He had the audacity to blame him.

  2. Directions: Each item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four options, (a), (b), (c) and (d). Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response accordingly.

    There is exponential growth in the development of the scientific researches in the recent few decades.

  3. Directions : Item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words/group of words (a), (b), (c) and (d). Select the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response in the Answer Sheet accordingly.

    The itinerary of the group’s visit to the hills was given to everyone. 

  4. Directions : Item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words/group of words (a), (b), (c) and (d). Select the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response in the Answer Sheet accordingly.

    All mortal elements are impermanent.

  5. Directions : Item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words (a), (b), (c) and (d). Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response in the Answer Sheet accordingly.

    The novel depicts the hapless status of certain sections of society.  

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