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Question 441

Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2025• English

Directions

Each of the sentences in the following items has an underlined word, followed by four choices. Select the most appropriate option that improves/corrects the underlined word in the context of the sentence, and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.

The opposing political parties nevertheless took a bilateral position in the national interest.

  1. AOption (a)

    impartial

  2. BOption (b)

    intermittent

  3. COption (c)

    perilous

  4. DOption (d)

    bipartisan

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

bipartisan

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is: bipartisan.

Key Points

  • The word "bilateral" means involving two sides, parties, or groups, typically to come to an agreement or position. (द्विपक्षीय)
  • Example: A bilateral trade agreement was signed between the two countries to strengthen economic ties.
  • "Bipartisan" refers to cooperation or agreement between two political parties, especially those that usually oppose each other. (दो दलों के बीच सहयोग)
  • Example: The bipartisan bill was passed to address urgent healthcare reforms.
  • Hence, the word "bipartisan" is more appropriate in the context of political parties taking a position in the national interest.

Therefore, the correct answer is: bipartisan.

Additional Information

Here are the other options explained along with their Hindi meanings and example sentences:

  • Impartial (निष्पक्ष): Neutral and unbiased, treating all sides equally.
  • Example: The judge remained impartial and delivered a fair verdict.
  • Intermittent (रुक-रुक कर होने वाला): Occurring at irregular intervals; not continuous or steady.
  • Example: The weather forecast predicts intermittent rain throughout the day.
  • Perilous (खतरनाक): Full of danger or risk.
  • Example: The hikers embarked on a perilous journey through the mountains.

Question 442

Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2025• English

Directions

Each of the sentences in the following items has an underlined word, followed by four choices. Select the most appropriate option that. improves/corrects the underlined word in the context of the sentence, and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly

Although she had sampled food from all the restaurants in the food court, she remained indefinite towards the culinary fare on offer.

  1. AOption (a)

    imperious

  2. BOption (b)

    indifferent

  3. COption (c)

    imperilled

  4. DOption (d)

    disinvested

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

indifferent

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is: Option 2 (indifferent).

Key Points

  • The word "indefinite" means something that is not clearly defined, vague, or uncertain. (अनिश्चित)
  • Example: The meeting was postponed for an indefinite period of time.
  • The correct word "indifferent" refers to a lack of interest, concern, or enthusiasm about something. (उदासीन)
  • Example: She was indifferent to the outcome of the game, as it did not affect her in any way.
  • In the given sentence, the context is about the lack of interest shown by the subject towards the culinary fare. Thus, "indifferent" is the most appropriate replacement for "indefinite."

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 2 (indifferent).

Additional Information

Here are the other options explained along with their Hindi meanings and example sentences:

  • Imperious (अहंकारी): Having or showing an arrogant and domineering attitude.
  • Example: His imperious manner made him unpopular among his colleagues.
  • Imperilled (संकट में डाला हुआ): Put at risk or in danger.
  • Example: The reckless driving imperilled the lives of everyone on the road.
  • Disinvested (निवेश से वंचित): To withdraw or reduce investments in a particular area or sector.
  • Example: The company disinvested its shares in the failing subsidiary to cut its losses.

Question 443

Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2025• English

Directions

Each of the sentences in the following items has an underlined word, followed by four choices. Select the most appropriate option that. improves/corrects the underlined word in the context of the sentence, and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly

The attitude of the whalers was marked by antipathy towards the marine life they had to encounter.

  1. AOption (a)

    sympathy

  2. BOption (b)

    empathy

  3. COption (c)

    indifference

  4. DOption (d)

    animus

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

animus

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is: Animus.

Key Points

  • The word "antipathy" means a deep-seated feeling of dislike or aversion. (घृणा या अरुचि)
  • Example: She expressed her antipathy toward the unethical practices of the company.
  • "Animus" refers to hostility or ill will, often in an intense or deep-rooted manner. (द्वेष या शत्रुता)
  • Example: The animus between the two political factions was evident during the debate.
  • Hence, we can infer that the correct word to describe the whalers' hostility is 'animus'.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Animus.

Additional Information

Here are the other options explained along with their Hindi meanings and example sentences:

  • Sympathy (सहानुभूति): Feelings of pity and sorrow for someone else's misfortune.
  • Example: He offered his sympathy to the family affected by the tragedy.
  • Empathy (सहानुभूति या समानुभूति): The ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
  • Example: Her empathy allowed her to connect with people on a deeper level.
  • Indifference (उदासीनता): Lack of interest, concern, or sympathy.
  • Example: His indifference to the suffering around him was shocking.

Question 444

Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2025• English

Directions

Each of the sentences in the following items has an underlined word, followed by four choices. Select the most appropriate option that. improves/corrects the underlined word in the context of the sentence, and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly

The family was rendered diligent due to the crash in the share market.

  1. AOption (a)

    indigent

  2. BOption (b)

    intransigent

  3. COption (c)

    indignant

  4. DOption (d)

    apathetic

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

indigent

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is: Indigent.

Key Points

  • The word "Diligent" means showing care and conscientiousness in one's work or duties. (परिश्रमी)
  • Example: She was a diligent student and always completed her assignments on time.
  • The word "Indigent" refers to someone who is poor or needy, lacking basic resources such as money or food. (गरीब)
  • Example: After losing his job, he became indigent and struggled to meet his daily needs.
  • In the sentence, the word "diligent" is incorrectly used to describe the family’s condition due to the crash in the share market. The correct word to convey their financial hardship is "indigent."

Therefore, the correct answer is: Indigent.

Additional Information

Here are the other options explained along with their Hindi meanings and example sentences:

  • Intransigent (अडिग): Refusing to change one's views or agree about something.
  • Example: The intransigent leader refused to compromise on his demands.
  • Indignant (आक्रोशित): Feeling or showing anger or annoyance at what is perceived as unfair treatment.
  • Example: She was indignant when her colleague took credit for her work.
  • Apathetic (उदासीन): Showing or feeling no interest, enthusiasm, or concern.
  • Example: Despite the urgent situation, he remained apathetic and did not take any action.

Question 445

Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2025• English

Directions

Each of the sentences in the following items has an underlined word, followed by four choices. Select the most appropriate option that. improves/corrects the underlined word in the context of the sentence, and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly

He had cultivated such great temperance in his personality that he was impassioned in his dealing with the vicissitudes of life.

  1. AOption (a)

    dispassionate

  2. BOption (b)

    perfunctory

  3. COption (c)

    devolved

  4. DOption (d)

    disambiguated

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

dispassionate

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is: dispassionate.

Key Points

  • The word "impassioned" means filled with or showing great emotion. (भावुक)
  • Example: The politician gave an impassioned speech about the need for reform.
  • The word "dispassionate" refers to being calm, unbiased, and unemotional, especially when making decisions or dealing with difficult situations. (निष्पक्ष)
  • Example: A judge must remain dispassionate when delivering a verdict.
  • In the context of the sentence, "dispassionate" is the appropriate word to describe someone who is calm and composed in their dealings with life's challenges.

Therefore, the correct answer is: dispassionate.

Additional Information

Here are the other options explained along with their Hindi meanings and example sentences:

  • Perfunctory (सतही): Done without care or interest, often performed as a routine duty.
  • Example: He gave a perfunctory nod and walked away.
  • Devolved (सौंपा हुआ): To delegate or transfer duties or responsibilities to another person or group.
  • Example: The central government devolved more power to local authorities.
  • Disambiguated (स्पष्ट किया हुआ): To clarify or remove ambiguity.
  • Example: The teacher disambiguated the confusing instructions for the students.

Question 446

Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2025• English

Directions

Each of the sentences in the following items has an underlined word, followed by four choices. Select the most appropriate option that. improves/corrects the underlined word in the context of the sentence, and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly

The document was discerned to be a postscript, where clearly an earlier manuscript had been replaced by a new one.

  1. AOption (a)

    parchment

  2. BOption (b)

    palimpsest

  3. COption (c)

    pastiche

  4. DOption (d)

    montage

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

palimpsest

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is: Option 2 (palimpsest).

Key Points

  • The word "palimpsest" refers to a manuscript or document that has been written over, where traces of the original writing are still visible. (प्राचीन पांडुलिपि, जिसे दूसरी बार लिखा गया हो)
  • Example: The ancient manuscript turned out to be a palimpsest, with layers of writing from different time periods.
  • The word "postscript" refers to an additional remark or note added at the end of a letter or document, often abbreviated as P.S. (परिशिष्ट या पत्र का अंतिम नोट)
  • Example: She added a postscript to her letter, explaining when she would arrive.
  • In the given sentence, the word "postscript" is incorrect because the context suggests that the document was overwritten with a new one, which aligns with the definition of "palimpsest".

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 2 (palimpsest).

Additional Information

Here are the other options explained along with their Hindi meanings and example sentences:

  • Parchment (पार्चमेंट): A material made from animal skin used for writing, especially in ancient times.
  • Example: The old document was written on a piece of parchment.
  • Pastiche (नकल या मिश्रण): A work of art or literature that imitates the style of another or combines various influences.
  • Example: The movie is a pastiche of several genres, blending comedy and drama seamlessly.
  • Montage (मोंटाज): A sequence of images or scenes edited together to convey a particular idea or story.
  • Example: The film's opening montage beautifully captured the protagonist's childhood.

Question 447

Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2025• English

Directions

Each of the sentences in the following items has an underlined word, followed by four choices. Select the most appropriate option that. improves/corrects the underlined word in the context of the sentence, and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly

He was accused of simulism for having copied from someone else without acknowledgement. due

  1. AOption (a)

    sensationalism

  2. BOption (b)

    institutionalism

  3. COption (c)

    plagiarism

  4. DOption (d)

    spoonerism

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (c)C.

plagiarism

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is: Option 3 (Plagiarism).

Key Points

  • The word "Simulism" does not exist in the English vocabulary and appears to be a placeholder or incorrect usage. (यह एक गलत या असत्य शब्द है।)
  • The correct word is "Plagiarism", which means the act of using someone else's ideas, work, or words without proper acknowledgment, presenting them as your own. (साहित्यिक चोरी)
  • Example: The student was expelled for plagiarism after submitting a copied essay.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 3 (Plagiarism).

Additional Information

Here are the other options explained along with their Hindi meanings and example sentences:

  • Sensationalism (सनसनीखेजता): The use of exciting or shocking stories at the expense of accuracy, to provoke public interest.
  • Example: The news channel was accused of sensationalism for exaggerating the story.
  • Institutionalism (संस्थागत): A focus on institutions and their role in society or adherence to institutional norms and practices.
  • Example: The school follows strict institutionalism in its policies.
  • Spoonerism (स्पूनरवाद): A verbal error in which the initial sounds of two words are swapped.
  • Example: Saying "you have hissed all my mystery lectures" instead of "you have missed all my history lectures" is a spoonerism.

Question 448

Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2025• English

Directions

Each of the sentences in the following items has an underlined word, followed by four choices. Select the most appropriate option that. improves/corrects the underlined word in the context of the sentence, and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly

The domineering manager behaved in a paternal manner with his subordinates, not allowing them to decide for themselves.

  1. AOption (a)

    prim

  2. BOption (b)

    petulant

  3. COption (c)

    presumptuous

  4. DOption (d)

    paternalistic

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

paternalistic

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is: Paternalistic.

Key Points

  • The word "Paternal" refers to characteristics or behaviors associated with a fatherly figure. It often implies care, protection, or guidance but can sometimes also suggest control or dominance. (पैतृक/पिता जैसा)
  • Example: His paternal instincts kicked in when he saw the child crying alone on the street.
  • "Paternalistic" refers to a controlling attitude, where someone limits another person's freedom or decision-making while justifying it as being for their own good. (पिता के समान नियंत्रणकारी)
  • Example: The manager’s paternalistic behavior hindered the employees from taking independent decisions.
  • Hence, the correct word to describe the domineering manager’s behavior in this context is paternalistic, as it specifically highlights the controlling aspect of his actions.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Paternalistic.

Additional Information

Here are the other options explained along with their Hindi meanings and example sentences:

  • Prim (शालीन): Stiffly formal and proper in behavior or appearance.
  • Example: She was always prim and careful about her manners at social gatherings.
  • Petulant (चिड़चिड़ा): Irritable or easily annoyed, often over trivial matters.
  • Example: The petulant child threw a tantrum when he didn’t get his favorite toy.
  • Presumptuous (अति आत्मविश्वासपूर्ण): Overconfident or failing to observe appropriate limits, often to the point of arrogance.
  • Example: It was presumptuous of him to assume he would be promoted without consulting his supervisor.

Question 449

Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2025• English

Directions

Each of the sentences in the following items has an underlined word, followed by four choices. Select the most appropriate option that. improves/corrects the underlined word in the context of the sentence, and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.

Much to their disappointment, the team leader spared no more than a reflective glance at the draft plan drawn up by his team.

  1. AOption (a)

     perfunctory

  2. BOption (b)

    precise

  3. COption (c)

    engaging

  4. DOption (d)

    egregious

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

 perfunctory

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is: Perfunctory.

Key Points

  • The word "reflective" refers to something that involves deep thought or reflection, often showing a serious consideration of a matter. (चिंतनशील)
  • Example: He gave a reflective speech that made everyone think about their goals.
  • "Perfunctory" means done as a duty or routine, often without genuine interest or effort; it implies a lack of care or enthusiasm. (औपचारिक, बिना रुचि के)
  • Example: The teacher gave a perfunctory review of the students' assignments, barely reading them.
  • In the context of the sentence, the team leader’s glance at the draft plan was superficial and lacking in genuine attention, which aligns with the meaning of "perfunctory".

Therefore, the correct answer is: Perfunctory.

Additional Information

Here are the other options explained along with their Hindi meanings and example sentences:

  • Precise (सटीक): Clearly expressed and exact in detail.
  • Example: She gave precise instructions on how to assemble the furniture.
  • Engaging (मनोहारी): Attractive or charming, capable of holding attention.
  • Example: The speaker’s engaging manner kept the audience captivated.
  • Egregious (अत्यंत खराब): Outstandingly bad or shocking.
  • Example: His egregious error during the presentation cost the company a major client.

Question 450

Combined Defence Services (CDS) 2025• English

Directions

Each of the sentences in the following items has an underlined word, followed by four choices. Select the most appropriate option that. improves/corrects the underlined word in the context of the sentence, and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.

Her actions were considered salutary because they were done without good reason or cause.

  1. AOption (a)

    ingratiated

  2. BOption (b)

    gratuitous

  3. COption (c)

    grating

  4. DOption (d)

    gargantuan

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

gratuitous

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is: Option 2 (Gratuitous).

Key Points

  • The word "salutary" refers to something that is beneficial, especially with reference to something unwelcome or unpleasant that produces good effects. (हितकारी, लाभदायक)
  • Example: The accident was a salutary reminder of the dangers of driving while tired.
  • The word "gratuitous" means something that is unnecessary or uncalled for; often done without any good reason or cause. (अनावश्यक, बिना कारण का)
  • Example: The film was criticized for its gratuitous violence.
  • In the given sentence, the word "gratuitous" fits appropriately as it describes actions done without good reason or cause.

Therefore, the correct answer is: Option 2 (Gratuitous).

Additional Information

Here are the other options explained along with their Hindi meanings and example sentences:

  • Ingratiated (खुशामद करना): To bring oneself into favor with someone by flattering or trying to please them.
  • Example: She ingratiated herself with the new manager by praising his leadership skills.
  • Grating (कर्कश): Something that is harsh or unpleasant to the senses, especially to the ears.
  • Example: The grating sound of the alarm clock woke everyone up.
  • Gargantuan (विशालकाय): Extremely large or enormous in size or amount.
  • Example: The team faced a gargantuan task of rebuilding the city after the earthquake.