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Question

Which word can best replace spell?

They were caught in a spell of silence, each deep in thought.

This question was previously asked in
SSC CHSL 2025 Tier 1 Question Paper (21-Nov-2025) (Shift 1)
The correct answer is

Moment

The sentence is 'They were caught in a spell of silence, each deep in thought', and we must find the word that can replace 'spell' without changing the meaning.

The noun 'spell' has several senses: a magical charm, a turn of duty, and, most relevantly here, a short continuous period of some state or activity.

Because the phrase is 'a spell of silence' shared while everyone is 'deep in thought', 'spell' clearly means a brief stretch of time during which the silence lasts.

'Moment' denotes a short period of time and fits this sense of a brief interval of silence, keeping the sentence natural: 'a moment of silence'.

'Break' would suggest a pause or interruption rather than a continuous state, and it does not sit well as 'a break of silence'.

'Speech' is the opposite of silence, and 'Curse' captures only the unrelated magical sense of 'spell', so neither works.

Hence the best replacement is Moment

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Similar Questions

  1. Read the passage and answer the following question:

    Japan is often admired around the world for its high level of discipline and social order. From childhood, Japanese people are taught to respect rules, value punctuality, and prioritise community welfare over individual interests. This cultural emphasis on discipline has played a major role in Japan’s remarkable progress and social harmony.

    One can see examples of discipline in everyday life, people stand in neat lines at stations, streets are clean despite a lack of dustbins, and public spaces are rarely damaged. The Japanese education system also strongly focuses on moral training, teamwork, and responsibility. Such habits help develop a sense of collective responsibility among citizens.

    During times of crisis, such as natural disasters, the discipline of Japanese people becomes even more evident. They remain calm, organised, and cooperative, which makes recovery faster and more effective. This cultural value has not only strengthened their society internally but has also earned Japan a reputation for efficiency and respect on the global stage.

    In the sentence:

    “The Japanese education system also strongly focuses on moral training, teamwork, and responsibility,” why is the verb “focuses” used instead of “focus”?

  2. In the sentence:

    “The Japanese education system also strongly focuses on moral training, teamwork, and responsibility,”

     why is the verb “focuses” used instead of “focus”?

  3. Which of the following sentences uses the word "close" with the same meaning as in the following sentence?

    "Please be sure to close the door when you leave"

  4. Which of the following sentences uses the word "desert" with the same meaning as in the following sentence? "We had to desert the ship after the engine failed"

  5. Which of the following sentences uses the word "bank" with the same meaning as in the following sentence?

    "The river overflowed its bank after the storm."


Important Questions from Correct Usage of Word

  1. Directions: Given below is a word, followed by three sentences that consist of that word. Identify the sentence(s) that express(es) the meaning of the word.

    REVISED

    A. The college has revised its plans because of local objections.

    B. The revised proposal will be presented to the board for discussion at Tuesday's meeting.

    C. The judge was revised in the newspapers for his opinions on rape.

  2. Directions: Given below is a word, followed by three sentences that consist of that word. Identify the sentence(s) that express(es) the meaning of the word.

    DEFY

    A. The brave young woman decided to defy the rules and pursue her dreams.

    B. His actions openly defied the authority of the government.

    C. The officer was convicted for refusing to defy orders

  3. Directions: Given below is a word, followed by three sentences that consist of that word. Identify the sentence(s) that express(es) the meaning of the word.

    HANDLE

    A. She carefully held the handle of the door.

    B. The detective found a crucial piece of evidence with his keen handle on the case.

    C. He couldn't handle the pressure and decided to quit.

  4. Select the option in which the usage of the given word is INCORRECT or INAPPROPRIATE.

    EXPECT

  5. Select the option in which the usage of the given word is INCORRECT or INAPPROPRIATE.

    RIGHT

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