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Question 681

SSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) 2025• English Comprehension• English Comprehension

Fill in the blank with the correctly spelt word.

Despite overwhelming evidence, he remained _______ in his beliefs.

  1. AOption (a)

    obstinatte

  2. BOption (b)

    obstinate

  3. COption (c)

    obsteinate

  4. DOption (d)

    obbstinate

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

obstinate

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is '2' i.e. obstinate.

Key Points

  • The word "obstinate" is correctly spelt and means stubborn or unyielding in one's opinions or beliefs.
  • The options "obstinatte," "obsteinate," and "obbstinate" are incorrect spellings.
  • In the given sentence, the word "obstinate" fits appropriately to describe someone who refuses to change their beliefs despite overwhelming evidence.

Correct sentence: Despite overwhelming evidence, he remained obstinate in his beliefs..

Additional Information

  • The word "obstinate" can be used in various contexts, such as personal opinions, attitudes, or behaviors.
  • Synonyms for "obstinate" include stubborn, inflexible, and adamant.
  • Its antonyms include compliant, flexible, and yielding.

Question 682

SSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) 2025• English Comprehension• English Comprehension

Choose the correct one-word substitution for the italicized part: Ravi has always been a person who vehemently opposes authority, control, or tradition, often challenging every rule set before him.

  1. AOption (a)

    Conformist

  2. BOption (b)

    Anarchist

  3. COption (c)

    Optimist

  4. DOption (d)

    Traditionalist

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

Anarchist

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is '2' i.e. Anarchist .

Key Points

  • The question asks us to find a one-word substitution for someone who "vehemently opposes authority, control, or tradition, often challenging every rule set before them."
  • Let’s examine the options provided:
  • Conformist: A person who complies with established norms or rules. This is the opposite of what is described in the sentence, so it is incorrect.
  • Anarchist: A person who opposes authority and established norms, often advocating for the absence of hierarchy and rules. This matches the description perfectly.
  • Optimist: A person who always looks at the brighter side of things. This is unrelated to the description, so it is incorrect.
  • Traditionalist: A person who strictly adheres to traditions and established norms. This is also the opposite of what is described, so it is incorrect.

Correct sentence: Ravi has always been an Anarchist, vehemently opposing authority, control, or tradition, and challenging every rule set before him.

Additional Information

  • One-word substitutions: These are words that can replace a long phrase or description with a single term.
  • Examples:
  • Philatelist: A person who collects stamps.
  • Bibliophile: A person who loves or collects books.
  • Misogynist: A person who dislikes or is prejudiced against women.

Question 683

SSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) 2025• English Comprehension• English Comprehension

Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word: GRUMPY

  1. AOption (a)

    Irritable

  2. BOption (b)

    Friendly

  3. COption (c)

    Polite

  4. DOption (d)

    Calm

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

Irritable

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is '1' i.e. Irritable.

Key Points

  • The word grumpy means being easily annoyed or in a bad mood.
  • Among the given options:
  • Option 1: Irritable is the synonym of "grumpy" as it refers to being easily annoyed or short-tempered.
  • Option 2: Friendly is the opposite of "grumpy" and therefore not correct.
  • Option 3: Polite implies good manners, which contrasts the meaning of "grumpy."
  • Option 4: Calm refers to being relaxed and composed, which is also the opposite of "grumpy."

Correct sentence: The most appropriate synonym of "grumpy" is Irritable.

Additional Information

  • Synonyms:
  • Other synonyms for "grumpy" include cranky, moody, or grouchy.
  • Antonyms:
  • Opposite words include cheerful, happy, or friendly.

Question 684

SSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) 2025• English Comprehension• English Comprehension

Select the most appropriate antonym of the given word. Transitory

  1. AOption (a)

    Fleeting

  2. BOption (b)

    Eternal

  3. COption (c)

    Momentary

  4. DOption (d)

    Temporary

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

Eternal

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is '2' i.e. Eternal .

Key Points

  • The word Transitory means something that lasts for a short duration or is temporary.
  • The correct antonym of Transitory is Eternal, which means something that lasts forever or is permanent.
  • Other options like Fleeting, Momentary, and Temporary are synonyms of Transitory, as they also refer to things that are short-lived or not permanent.

Correct answer: Option 2 - Eternal.

Additional Information

  • Synonyms of Transitory: Fleeting, Momentary, Temporary, Short-lived.
  • Antonyms of Transitory: Eternal, Permanent, Everlasting.

Question 685

SSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) 2025• English Comprehension• English Comprehension

Choose the correct meaning of idiom: Eat crow

  1. AOption (a)

    Enjoy luxurious food

  2. BOption (b)

    Give lavish charity

  3. COption (c)

    Suffer physical punishment

  4. DOption (d)

    Admit one's error and endure humiliation

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

Admit one's error and endure humiliation

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is '4' i.e. Admit one's error and endure humiliation .

Key Points

  • The idiom "Eat crow" means to acknowledge one's mistake or failure and endure the resulting embarrassment or humiliation.
  • This idiom is often used in situations where someone must admit they were wrong, especially after being confident about their stance.
  • The idiom does not refer to enjoying luxurious food, giving charity, or suffering physical punishment.

Example: After insisting that his prediction was correct, John had to eat crow when the results proved otherwise.

Additional Information

  • Idioms are expressions or phrases whose meanings cannot always be deduced from the literal definitions of the words they contain.
  • They are often culturally specific and can vary in interpretation across different regions.

Question 686

SSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) 2025• English Comprehension• English Comprehension

Choose the correct meaning of idiom: To draw the long bow

  1. AOption (a)

    To romanticize historical events

  2. BOption (b)

    To fabricate or exaggerate with little credibility

  3. COption (c)

    To delay justice deliberately

  4. DOption (d)

    To conflate myth with realism

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (b)B.

To fabricate or exaggerate with little credibility

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is '2' i.e. To fabricate or exaggerate with little credibility .

Key Points

  • The idiom "To draw the long bow" refers to the act of exaggerating or fabricating stories or claims that lack credibility.
  • It is often used in situations where someone stretches the truth to make their point or story seem more dramatic or impressive.
  • The correct meaning, as per the options given, is "To fabricate or exaggerate with little credibility".

Correct explanation: The idiom implies creating false or exaggerated stories, making them hard to believe due to their lack of authenticity.

Additional Information

  • Common usage of the idiom:
  • Example: He drew the long bow when he claimed to have climbed Mount Everest without proper equipment.
  • Interpretation: His claim seemed exaggerated and lacked credibility.
  • Other idioms related to exaggeration:
  • Blow things out of proportion: To make something seem much worse or more important than it actually is.
  • Make a mountain out of a molehill: To exaggerate a minor issue into something significant.

Question 687

SSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) 2025• English Comprehension• English Comprehension

Which spelling is correct for a word meaning 'a formal agreement between nations'?

  1. AOption (a)

    Treaty

  2. BOption (b)

    Trety

  3. COption (c)

    Treety

  4. DOption (d)

    Tretye

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

Treaty

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is '1' i.e. Treaty .

Key Points

  • The word ‘Treaty’ refers to a formal agreement between nations.
  • Among the given options, only the spelling ‘Treaty’ is correct.
  • The other options (Trety, Treety, Tretye) are incorrect spellings and do not convey the intended meaning.
  • A treaty is often used in diplomatic contexts, such as agreements on peace, trade, or mutual cooperation.

Additional Information

  • The term ‘Treaty’ originates from the Latin word ‘tractatus’, meaning ‘handling’ or ‘discussion.’
  • Treaties are legally binding and are often signed by representatives of the nations involved.
  • Famous examples include the Treaty of Versailles and the Treaty of Paris.

Question 688

SSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) 2025• English Comprehension• English Comprehension

Find the word that is spelled correctly and refers to complex and obscure knowledge.

  1. AOption (a)

    Esoterica

  2. BOption (b)

    Esoterrrica

  3. COption (c)

    Esottirica

  4. DOption (d)

    Esotorica

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

Esoterica

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is '1' i.e. Esoterica .

Key Points

  • The question asks for the word that is spelled correctly and refers to complex and obscure knowledge.
  • Let us evaluate the options provided:
  • Option 1: Esoterica - This is the correct spelling and it refers to knowledge that is obscure or intended for a small, specialized group.
  • Option 2: Esoterrrica - Incorrect due to the extra "r" letters.
  • Option 3: Esottirica - Incorrect due to the misspelling of "t" and "r".
  • Option 4: Esotorica - Incorrect as it is missing an "e" after "t".
  • Thus, the correct answer is Option 1: Esoterica.

Correct sentence: Esoterica refers to specialized or obscure knowledge meant for a small audience.

Additional Information

  • Word Meaning:
  • Esoterica: Things understood by or meant for a select group of people with specialized knowledge.
  • Usage in a Sentence: "Her collection of ancient manuscripts is filled with esoterica that only a historian would understand."

Question 689

SSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) 2025• English Comprehension• English Comprehension

Choose the correct one-word substitute for: 'A record of one's own life written by oneself'.

  1. AOption (a)

    Biography

  2. BOption (b)

    Memorandum

  3. COption (c)

    Memoir

  4. DOption (d)

    Autobiography

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (d)D.

Autobiography

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is '4' i.e. Autobiography .

Key Points

  • Autobiography: A record of one’s own life written by oneself. It involves a detailed account of personal experiences, achievements, and challenges.
  • Biography: A record of someone’s life written by another person. It is not written by oneself.
  • Memoir: A narrative focused on specific personal experiences or events rather than the entirety of one’s life.
  • Memorandum: A brief written note or communication, often for official purposes, and unrelated to life records.

Correct sentence: The record of one’s own life written by oneself is called an Autobiography.

Additional Information

  • Autobiographies: Often provide insights into the author’s inner thoughts, feelings, and motivations, making them highly personal.
  • Famous Examples: "The Story of My Experiments with Truth" by Mahatma Gandhi and "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela.
  • Biographies: Focus on someone’s life from an external perspective, written by a third party.
  • Memoirs: Usually focus on particular events or periods in the writer’s life, such as "Becoming" by Michelle Obama.

Question 690

SSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) 2025• English Comprehension• English Comprehension

Select the correct option: ___ the enormity of the challenge, the volunteers pressed on resolutely.

  1. AOption (a)

    Given

  2. BOption (b)

    For

  3. COption (c)

    Because

  4. DOption (d)

    Granted

View answer & explanation

Correct answer

Answer: (a)A.

Given

Why this answer is correct

The correct answer is '1' i.e. Given .

Key Points

  • The sentence logically introduces the context of the challenge the volunteers face and their determination despite it.
  • The word "Given" is used to mean "considering" or "taking into account." It fits naturally in this sentence, as it connects the enormity of the challenge to the volunteers’ resoluteness.
  • Other options like "For," "Because," or "Granted" do not convey the intended meaning in this context.

Correct sentence: Given the enormity of the challenge, the volunteers pressed on resolutely.

Additional Information

  • Given: Often used to introduce a fact or condition that is being considered.
  • For: Typically used to indicate purpose or reason, but does not fit the sentence structure here.
  • Because: Introduces a reason but is not appropriate in this context as it suggests causation rather than consideration.
  • Granted: Means "admitting something as true," but it does not logically fit the sentence structure here.