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Question

Select the most appropriate synonym of the word given in the brackets to fill in the blank.
The increasing population of a country can be a ________ (affliction) for the development of a country.

The correct answer is
bane

Understanding the Sentence Context

The sentence discusses the potential impact of a country's increasing population on its development. It states that this population growth can be a specific type of influence, described by the word 'affliction'. We need to find a word that means something similar to 'affliction' and fits logically in the sentence.

Defining 'Affliction'

An affliction is something that causes pain, suffering, or distress. It generally refers to a problem, trouble, or a source of harm.

Analyzing the Options

Let's look at the meaning of each option provided:

  • boom: This means a sudden increase in economic activity or prosperity. It's usually a positive term.
  • bane: This word means a cause of great distress or annoyance; something that spoils or ruins something else. It's a source of harm or a detriment.
  • boon: This means a thing that is helpful or beneficial; a blessing. It is the opposite of an affliction or bane.
  • brittleness: This refers to the tendency of a material to break or shatter easily. It doesn't fit the context of population's impact on development.

Selecting the Most Appropriate Synonym

The sentence suggests that the increasing population acts as a problem or a source of trouble for a country's development. We need a synonym for 'affliction' that conveys this negative impact.

  • 'Boom' doesn't fit because while population growth can sometimes be seen as positive (more workforce), the word 'affliction' implies a negative aspect, which 'boom' contradicts.
  • 'Boon' is incorrect because it means a benefit, the opposite of 'affliction'.
  • 'Brittleness' is irrelevant to the socio-economic context.
  • 'Bane' perfectly matches the meaning of 'affliction' in this context. An increasing population can indeed be a bane (a cause of problems and difficulties) for a country's development if resources, infrastructure, and job opportunities cannot keep pace.

Therefore, the most appropriate synonym for 'affliction' to fill in the blank is 'bane'.

Filled Sentence

The increasing population of a country can be a bane for the development of a country.

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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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