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Question

Select the option that can be used as a one-word substitute for the given group of words.

Filled with fear or dread

This question was previously asked in
SSC CGL 2023 (Tier-II) Paper 1 Previous Year Paper (26-Oct-2023) (Shift-1)
The correct answer is Tremulous

Finding the One-Word Substitute for 'Filled with Fear or Dread'

Let's break down the meaning of the phrase "Filled with fear or dread" and evaluate the given options to find the most suitable one-word substitute. The phrase describes a state of being overwhelmed by strong feelings of fright or apprehension.

Analyzing the Options

We are given four options:

  1. Prudent
  2. Hysterical
  3. Corpulent
  4. Tremulous

Let's examine the meaning of each word:

Word Meaning Relevance to 'Filled with fear or dread'
Prudent Acting with or showing care and thought for the future; sensible. Not related to fear or dread.
Hysterical Deriving from or characteristic of uncontrolled emotion, especially excitement or panic. While panic can involve fear, hysterical often implies a loss of self-control due to intense emotion, not exclusively fear or dread itself, and can include excitement or laughter. Can involve fear/panic, but the term is broader and less precise for specifically 'filled with fear or dread'.
Corpulent (of a person) Fat. Not related to fear or dread.
Tremulous Shaking or trembling, typically as a the result of fear, excitement, or nervousness; timid; nervous. It directly relates to the physical manifestation or feeling associated with fear or apprehension. Directly relates to the state of being fearful or nervous, often causing trembling.

Identifying the Best Fit

Based on the meanings, the word that most closely aligns with the state of being "Filled with fear or dread" is 'Tremulous'. Tremulous describes the physical state of trembling or shaking that often accompanies intense fear or nervousness. It can also mean timid or nervous, directly reflecting the feeling of dread or fear.

While 'Hysterical' can involve panic (which includes fear), it is not the most specific term for simply being 'filled with fear or dread'. 'Prudent' and 'Corpulent' are completely unrelated to the feeling of fear.

Therefore, 'Tremulous' is the best one-word substitute.

Revision Table: Understanding Vocabulary for Emotions

Word Common Use Example Sentence
Fear An unpleasant emotion caused by the threat of danger, pain, or harm. He felt great fear before the presentation.
Dread Great apprehension or fear. Often involves anticipating something unpleasant. She felt a sense of dread as the deadline approached.
Tremulous Shaking from fear or nervousness; timid. His voice was tremulous with fear.
Prudent Wise and careful in practical affairs. It was a prudent decision to save money.
Hysterical Exhibiting uncontrolled emotion, often extreme excitement, fear, or grief. She became hysterical when she heard the news.
Corpulent Having a large, bulky body; fat. The corpulent man sat heavily in the chair.

Additional Information: Expressing Fear and Dread

The English language has many ways to describe the feeling of being filled with fear or dread. Using precise vocabulary helps to convey the intensity and nature of the emotion.

  • Words like 'terrified', 'petrified', 'aghast' describe intense fear.
  • Words like 'apprehensive', 'anxious', 'uneasy' describe milder forms of dread or worry about the future.
  • 'Tremulous', as we've seen, often describes the physical state associated with fear or nervousness. It focuses on the outward manifestation (shaking) caused by the internal feeling (fear/dread).

Understanding these nuances is important for vocabulary building and accurate expression.

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Important Questions from One Word Substitution

  1. For the expression which has been underlined in each of the following sentences, choose the response (a), (b), (c) or (d) which most nearly expresses its meaning.

    The institution decided to give Mrs. Roy’s job to her son not because she was a social worker, but because she haddied in harness.

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    Your ambition should be inconsonance withyour capabilities.

  3. For the expression which has been underlined in each of the following sentences, choose the response (a), (b), (c) or (d) which most nearly expresses its meaning.

    I could not go up in lifefor want ofproper guidance.

  4. For the expression which has been underlined in each of the following sentences, choose the response (a), (b), (c) or (d) which most nearly expresses its meaning.

    Though he was arrogant, I could notdispense withhis services.

  5. For the expression which has been underlined in each of the following sentences, choose the response (a), (b), (c) or (d) which most nearly expresses its meaning.

    In spite of his hard work, he wasmade a scapegoatfor the failure of the project

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