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Question

Select the synonym of Perfunctory.

This question was previously asked in
SSC Stenographer 2025 Question Paper (06-Aug-2025) Shift 2
The correct answer is
Careless

Perfunctory Meaning and Context

The question asks to identify the synonym of the word 'Perfunctory'. A synonym is a word that has the same or nearly the same meaning as another word. Understanding the meaning of 'Perfunctory' is key to finding its synonym among the choices.

'Perfunctory' describes an action or a gesture performed merely as a routine duty or social obligation, lacking genuine care, enthusiasm, or detail. It implies doing something superficially or half-heartedly.

Synonym Analysis for Perfunctory

Let's examine the meaning of each option provided:

  • Diligent: This word means having or showing care and conscientiousness in one's work or duties. It is essentially an antonym of 'Perfunctory'.
  • Careless: This means not giving sufficient attention or thought to avoiding harm or mistakes; lacking care or concern. This aligns closely with the meaning of 'Perfunctory'.
  • Painstaking: This means done with or employing great care and thoroughness. Like 'Diligent', this is an antonym.
  • Detailed: This means having many details or complexities; thorough. This is also an antonym of 'Perfunctory', which implies a lack of detail.

Comparative Analysis of Options

To clarify, let's compare the core meanings:

Word Meaning Relation to Perfunctory
Perfunctory Done with minimal effort or care; routine. Core term
Diligent Showing careful and conscientious effort. Antonym
Careless Lacking care or attention; done without sufficient thought. Synonym
Painstaking Showing extreme care and thoroughness. Antonym
Detailed Including many specifics; thorough. Antonym

Conclusion on Synonym

Based on the analysis, the word 'Careless' best captures the essence of 'Perfunctory'. Both words describe actions performed without proper attention, care, or thoroughness. While 'Perfunctory' often implies a sense of duty being fulfilled without real engagement, 'Careless' directly points to the lack of care involved, making it the most fitting synonym among the choices.

For example:

  • Perfunctory: He gave a perfunctory nod, barely looking up from his computer. (Implies a nod done out of routine, without real attention.)
  • Careless: The careless mistake caused the project to fail. (Implies a mistake made due to lack of attention.)

Both suggest a lack of genuine effort or attention.

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