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Question

Directions : Each item in this section consists of a sentence with underlined word/words followed by four words. Select the word that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word/words and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.

These were based primarily in Himachal Pradesh, where the treks were as gruelling as the terrain.

This question was previously asked in
NDA 2 2026 GAT Question Paper (13-Sep-2026)
The correct answer is
rigorous

Gruelling Synonym Explanation

The question asks for the word closest in meaning to the underlined word "gruelling" within the context of treks and terrain.

Gruelling means extremely tiring, demanding, and requiring great effort.

Analyzing Word Meanings

  • Gruelling: Intensely difficult, exhausting, and requiring great effort.
  • Rigorous: Extremely thorough, exhaustive, or severe; demanding strictness.
  • Egregious: Outstandingly bad; shocking.
  • Unctuous: Excessively flattering or insincere; oily.
  • Ominous: Suggesting that something bad is going to happen; threatening.

Determining the Nearest Meaning

In the sentence, "gruelling" describes the difficulty and physical exertion involved in the treks and the terrain. Comparing the definitions:

  • Rigorous closely matches the demanding and severe nature implied by "gruelling" for physical activities like trekking.
  • Egregious refers to badness, not difficulty.
  • Unctuous relates to insincerity, not physical challenge.
  • Ominous relates to threat or foreboding, which is different from the direct physical hardship described.

Therefore, "rigorous" is the word nearest in meaning to "gruelling" in this context.

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