Question Library

The word "nebulous" means unclear or "vague."

In this context, the words "willful" and "obstinate" describe a daughter who is stubborn and resistant to change. Therefore "unyielding and obdurate" is nearest in meaning to this. "Unyielding" means not giving way to pressure and "obdurate" means stubbornly unwilling to change one's opinion or course of action.

The term "eagle-eyed" is used metaphorically to describe someone exceptionally observant, vigilant and detail-oriented. Being an eagle-eyed editor means having a keen ability to spot errors or inconsistencies in written material. The nearest in meaning to "eagle-eyed" is "quick-sighted". It means marked by keen quickly responsive sight. "Clear-sighted" means having a good understanding of a particular subject and the ability to make good judgments about it.

In this context, the word "pleasantries" refers to polite or agreeable remarks that are often exchanged during social interactions. Given that the widow is in a "grim situation," the remarks are likely related to her loss and would be considered "condolence messages."

The term "impassioned" means filled with or showing great emotion, enthusiasm or passion. Therefore, "emotional" would be nearest in meaning to "impassioned."

The term "euphoria" refers to a state of intense happiness and excitement. While A. pleasure captures a similar sentiment, excitement better conveys the heightened emotional state associated with a significant event like an election result.

The expression "nail the lie to the counter" means confronting, exposing or making the lie known. Therefore, option A. expose it publicly is nearest in meaning to the expression.

The term "apogee" refers to the highest point in the development or progress of something.

The word "grave" is synonymous with "serious." Both terms imply a state of being critical or urgent.

The word "fatal" means something that causes death or is capable of causing death. Therefore, the nearest in meaning to the word is "deadly."

The phrase "a moment of respite" means a break or a pause from something difficult or unpleasant. This means that the relief provided is temporary.

The phrase "pick to pieces" means to examine something very closely or to "critically analyse" something with the intent of finding faults or understanding its components.

The term "big-hearted" is used to describe someone who is generous, kind and compassionate. In the given sentence, the new ruler is characterised by a generous and kind approach in his dealings with people. Option A, "generous," is the nearest in meaning to "big-hearted" and is the most appropriate choice in this context.

The word "fleeting" means lasting for a very short time, brief, or transient. The opposite of "fleeting" is something that is long-lasting or enduring. Therefore, option C, "long," is the opposite in meaning. It indicates a visit that is not brief but rather of an extended or prolonged duration. Options A and D are not opposite in meaning, and option B is a synonym for "fleeting."

The word "alleviate" means to make something less severe or to reduce it—in this case, poverty. Therefore, the opposite would be to make poverty worse or to "exacerbate" it.