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Question

Three of the following four words are alike in a certain way and one is different. Select the odd word out.

This question was previously asked in
SSC CGL 2018 (Tier 2) Statistics Previous Year Paper (22-feb-2018)
The correct answer is

Tendency

Analyzing the Given Words

The question asks us to identify the word that is different from the others in the group: Perseverance, Firmness, Tenacity, and Tendency. To do this, we need to understand the meaning of each word.

  • Perseverance: This means persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success. It's about sticking with a task or goal even when it's hard.
  • Firmness: This refers to the quality of being resolute or determined. It can also mean having a solid structure or being stable, but in the context of character or attitude, it means being strong and unwavering in belief or purpose.
  • Tenacity: This is the quality or fact of being determined or resolute. It also means the ability to grip something firmly. Like perseverance and firmness, it implies a strong will and determination.
  • Tendency: This describes an inclination towards a particular characteristic or type of behavior. It is a predisposition or a likelihood to act or develop in a particular way.

Comparing the Meanings

Let's look at the core ideas behind these words.

The words Perseverance, Firmness, and Tenacity all share a common theme:

  • They describe a quality of character related to being strong-willed, determined, resolute, persistent, or unyielding.
  • They imply sticking firmly to something, whether it's a task, a belief, or a position.

Now let's consider the word Tendency:

  • Tendency describes an inclination or a leaning towards something. It indicates a likelihood or a predisposition, but it doesn't inherently convey strength of will, determination, or persistence in the same way the other words do.
  • For example, someone might have a "tendency" to procrastinate, which is an inclination, not a quality of strong determination.

Identifying the Odd Word Out

Based on the meanings, Perseverance, Firmness, and Tenacity are closely related, describing qualities of being persistent, determined, or resolute. Tendency, however, describes an inclination or a predisposition.

Therefore, Tendency is the word that is different from the others.

Word Meaning Related Concept
Perseverance Persistence in difficulty Determination, Persistence
Firmness Being resolute or determined Determination, Resoluteness
Tenacity Being determined or resolute Determination, Resoluteness
Tendency An inclination or predisposition Inclination, Leaning

Revision Table: Odd Word Out Analysis

Group 1 (Similar) Group 2 (Odd Word) Reason for Difference
Perseverance, Firmness, Tenacity Tendency Group 1 relates to strong determination/persistence; Group 2 relates to an inclination/predisposition.

Additional Information: Vocabulary Building

Understanding word meanings is key to solving odd-one-out vocabulary questions. Here are some related concepts:

  • Synonyms for Determination/Persistence: Resolve, Steadfastness, Grit, Endurance, Backbone.
  • Antonyms for Determination/Persistence: Apathy, Indifference, Wavering, Irresolution.
  • Synonyms for Inclination/Tendency: Propensity, Predilection, Proneness, Bent, Leaning, Disposition.
  • Antonyms for Inclination/Tendency: Disinclination, Aversion, Repugnance.

Practicing with synonyms and antonyms helps build a stronger vocabulary and improves the ability to spot relationships between words.

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Similar Questions

  1. Find the odd one out from the given alternatives
  2. Select the option that is related to the third word in the same way as the second word is related to the first word.

    (The words must be considered as meaningful English words and must not be related to each other based on the number of letters/number of consonants/vowels in the word.)

    Weight : Pounds :: Height : ?

  3. Select the option that is related to the third word in the same way as the second word is related to the first word.

    (The words must be considered as meaningful English words and must not be related to each other based on the number of letters/number of consonants/vowels in the word.)

    School ∶ Principal ∶∶ Prison ∶ ?

  4. 'Kidney' is related to 'Organ' in the same way as 'Apple' is related to '__________'.

  5. 'Fair' is related to 'Righteous' in the same way as 'Cunning' is related to '__________'.

  6. Select the option that is related to the third word in the same way as the second word is related to the first word. (The words must be considered as meaningful English words and must not be related to each other based on the number of letters/number of consonants/vowels in the word)

    Vacant : Empty :: Enormous : ?

  7. Four words have been given, out of which three are alike in some manner and one is different. Select the word that is different.

  8. Select the option that is related to the third word in the same way as the second word is related to the first word.

    Nascent ∶ Young ∶∶ Adjunct ∶ ?

  9. Select the option in which the words share the same relationship as that shared by the given pair of words.

    Anger : Emotion

  10. Four words have been given, out of which three are alike in some manner and one is different. Select the word that is different.


Important Questions from Meaning Based

  1. Select the option that is related to the third term in the same way as the second term is related to the first term.

    Pen : Write : : Knife : ______

  2. ‘Hot’ is related to ‘Cold’ in the same way as ‘Heavy’ is related to ‘________’.

  3. Select the option that is related to the third term in the same way as the second term is related to the first term.

    Famous : Renowned :: Moisten : ?
  4. Select the option that is related to the third term in the same way as the second term is related to the first term.

    Unhappy : Sad :: Speak : ?
  5. Pick the odd one out.

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