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Question

The Buddha said, "Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burnt." 
Select the word below which is closest in meaning to the word underlined above.

The correct answer is
clutching

Understanding 'Grasping' in the Buddha Quote

The quote compares holding onto anger to the physical act of grasping a hot coal. The word "grasping" here means to seize and hold firmly.

The task is to find the word closest in meaning to "grasping" from the given options, within the context of the quote.

Identifying the Closest Synonym

The word "clutching" means to grasp something tightly, often nervously, protectively, or painfully. This aligns perfectly with the act of firmly holding a hot coal, as described in the quote.

Analyzing Option Meanings

Let's look at the other options:

  • burning: This describes the effect of the hot coal, not the action of holding it.
  • igniting: This means to set something on fire or start burning, which is not the action described.
  • clutching: This means to grasp or hold something tightly, matching the meaning of "grasping" in this context.
  • flinging: This means to throw or hurl something, which is the intended action towards someone else, not the act of holding the coal itself.

Therefore, "clutching" is the word closest in meaning to "grasping" as used in the quote.

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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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