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Question

Select the synonym of the given word.
PATHETIC

This question was previously asked in
SSC CGL 2019 (Tier 2) GS Finance & Economics Previous Year Paper (17-Nov-2020)
The correct answer is

Pitiful

Finding the Correct Synonym for PATHETIC

The question asks us to find the synonym of the word PATHETIC from the given options. A synonym is a word or phrase that means exactly or nearly the same as another word or phrase in the same language.

Understanding the Word PATHETIC

The word PATHETIC is an adjective. It primarily means arousing pity, especially through vulnerability or sadness. It can also be used to describe something miserably inadequate or arousing contemptuous pity.

  • Example: "The refugees were a pathetic sight." (Arousing pity)
  • Example: "He made a pathetic attempt to apologize." (Miserably inadequate)

Analyzing the Options

Let's examine the meaning of each option:

  1. Curious: Eager to know or learn something. This word is related to interest or inquiry, not pity or inadequacy.

  2. Pitiful: Deserving or arousing pity. This meaning aligns very closely with the primary meaning of PATHETIC.

  3. Insignificant: Too small or unimportant to be worth consideration. While something pathetic might sometimes also be insignificant, the core meaning of pathetic is about arousing pity or being inadequate, not just being small or unimportant.

  4. Dull: Lacking interest or excitement; not vivid or bright. This word describes a lack of vibrancy or interest and is unrelated to pity or inadequacy.

Comparing Meanings to Find the Synonym

Comparing the definitions, PITIFUL is the option that most closely matches the meaning of PATHETIC, specifically in the sense of arousing pity.

Conclusion

Based on the analysis of the meanings, the best synonym for PATHETIC among the given options is Pitiful.

Word Meaning Relationship to PATHETIC
PATHETIC Arousing pity; miserably inadequate. Original word
Curious Eager to learn. Not a synonym
Pitiful Deserving or arousing pity. Synonym
Insignificant Unimportant. Related in some contexts, but not the primary synonym
Dull Lacking interest. Not a synonym

Revision Table: Key Vocabulary

Word Part of Speech Definition
PATHETIC Adjective Arousing pity or contemptuous pity; miserably inadequate.
Synonym Noun A word or phrase having the same or nearly the same meaning as another word or phrase.
Antonym Noun A word opposite in meaning to another.
Pitiful Adjective Deserving or arousing pity.
Curious Adjective Eager to know or learn.
Insignificant Adjective Too small or unimportant to be considered.
Dull Adjective Lacking interest or excitement; not bright.

Additional Information on Synonyms and Antonyms

Understanding synonyms and antonyms is crucial for building strong vocabulary and improving comprehension. Synonyms help you express ideas using different words with similar meanings, adding variety to your language. Antonyms, on the other hand, help clarify meaning by providing contrast.

  • Synonyms often have slightly different shades of meaning or are used in specific contexts. For example, while "pathetic" and "pitiful" are close, "pathetic" can sometimes carry a stronger sense of inadequacy or even contempt, whereas "pitiful" usually focuses solely on arousing pity.
  • Finding the best synonym often depends on the specific sentence or context in which the word is used. In this case, "pitiful" is the most direct and common synonym for "pathetic".
  • Learning words in groups of synonyms and antonyms can be an effective study strategy.
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