In each of the following questions, out of the given alternatives,choose the one which best expresses the meaning of the given word.
Lethargy
Answer: B
It is sluggishness.
Lethargy is a state of heavy inactivity, from the Greek lethargos, forgetful. Active and bold are its opposites, and serenity is calm without the torpor.
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Enigma
Answer: B
It is puzzle.
An enigma is something hard to understand, from the Greek for speaking in riddles. Answer is its opposite, and a question need not be puzzling at all.
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Emaciated
Answer: B
It is very thin.
Emaciated means abnormally thin from illness or starvation, from the Latin macer, lean. Very fat and very heavy are its opposites.
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Circuitous
Answer: C
It is roundabout.
Circuitous means going the long way round rather than straight, from the same root as circuit. Direct is its opposite. Cyclic means recurring in cycles, which is a different idea altogether.
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Repugnant
Answer: B
It is offensive.
Repugnant means causing strong distaste, from the Latin for fighting against. Tasteful is its opposite; agree and disagree are verbs.
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Reverence
Answer: A
It is respect.
Reverence is deep respect, usually with an element of awe. Dishonour and affront are its opposites.
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Queer
Answer: A
It is strange.
Queer in its older sense means odd or strange. Common is its opposite, and sullen describes temper rather than strangeness.
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Redress
Answer: D
It is remedy.
To redress is to set right a wrong, and as a noun the remedy itself - redress of grievances. Harm is its opposite; retribution is punishment of the wrongdoer, not repair of the wrong.
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Resentment
Answer: C
It is wrath.
Resentment is bitter indignation at unfair treatment, and wrath is the nearest of the four. Joy, cheer and pleasure are all its opposites.
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Ruthless
Answer: C
It is savage.
Ruthless means without pity, ruth being the old word for compassion, which now survives only in this negative. Compassionate and lenient are its opposites.
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