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Question

The question below consists of a sentence with an underlined word/words followed by four words. Select the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word/words and mark the correct answer.

The soldiers repulsed the enemy.

This question was previously asked in
CDS I 2018 Elementary Mathematics Previous Year Paper (04-Feb-2018)
The correct answer is

Repelled

Understanding the Word "Repulsed" in Context

The question asks us to find the word that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word "repulsed" in the sentence "The soldiers repulsed the enemy." To answer this, we need to understand what "repulsed" means, especially when used in a military context involving soldiers and an enemy.

"Repulsed" in a military or combat situation typically means to drive back or force back an attacking enemy. It implies stopping their advance and making them retreat.

Analyzing the Options

Let's look at the given options and compare their meanings to the word "repulsed" in the sentence:

  • Defeated: To defeat someone means to win a victory over them in a battle, contest, or election. While repulsing an enemy might be a step towards defeating them, "defeated" often implies a more complete victory or surrender, not just driving them back from an attack. Soldiers might defeat an enemy over a campaign, but they repulse a specific attack.
  • Destroyed: To destroy means to ruin something completely or to kill someone. Soldiers aim to defeat or repulse the enemy, but "destroyed" is too strong a word for simply stopping an attack. Destroying an enemy would mean eliminating them entirely, which is not the primary meaning of repulsing an attack.
  • Rejected: To reject means to refuse to accept or consider something. This word is typically used for offers, ideas, or people in a social context. It does not fit the context of soldiers dealing with an attacking enemy force. Soldiers do not "reject" an enemy attack; they actively counter it.
  • Repelled: To repel means to drive back or away (an attack or attacker). This word is a direct synonym for "repulse," particularly in a military or defensive context. When soldiers repel an enemy, they push them back and stop their advance. This meaning aligns perfectly with how "repulsed" is used in the given sentence.

Comparing Meanings: Repulsed vs. Options

Let's summarize the comparison:

Word Meaning in Context Fit with "repulsed"
Repulsed Drove back or forced back an attacking enemy. ---
Defeated Won a victory over, often implying a more complete outcome. Related, but not the nearest specific meaning of driving back an attack.
Destroyed Eliminated completely. Too strong; goes beyond just driving back.
Rejected Refused to accept or consider. Incorrect context; does not apply to military action against an enemy.
Repelled Drove back or away (an attack or attacker). Direct synonym; perfectly fits the meaning of driving back an enemy attack.

Based on this analysis, "repelled" is the word that is nearest in meaning to "repulsed" when describing soldiers dealing with an enemy attack. Both words describe the action of driving back an opposing force.

Conclusion

The word "repulsed" in the sentence "The soldiers repulsed the enemy" means that the soldiers successfully drove the enemy back or forced them to retreat from their position or attack. Among the given options, "Repelled" has the most similar meaning.

Revision Table: Word Meanings

Word General Meaning Meaning in Military Context
Repulsed Driven back or away; caused to feel intense distaste or aversion. Driven back or forced to retreat (an enemy or attack).
Defeated Won a victory over (someone) in a battle or other contest. Overcame in battle; won against.
Destroyed Put an end to the existence of (something) by damaging or attacking it. Killed or annihilated (an enemy force).
Rejected Dismissed as inadequate, unacceptable, or faulty. Not applicable in this context.
Repelled Driven back or away. Driven back or forced to retreat (an enemy or attack).

Additional Information: Military Vocabulary

In military language, words describing the outcomes of engagements are crucial. Understanding terms like "repulse," "repel," "defeat," "advance," "retreat," and "rout" helps clarify the specific actions taken during combat. "Repulse" and "repel" are often used when an initial attack is stopped and pushed back, without necessarily leading to a complete defeat of the enemy force in the larger conflict.

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