Question

Choose the appropriate synonym for the given word:
Ostracise
a) Welcome
b) Include
c) Expedite
d) Exclude

Answer 1

Hint: The word ‘ostracise’ refers to ‘remove from a society or group’. This word is usually used as a verb. Another synonym for ‘ostracise’ is ‘shun’.

Complete answer:
The word ‘ostracise’ can be used in a sentence in the following way:
For example, in the sentence ‘Anybody who dared to speak up against the emperor was ostracised by the Romans’, the word ‘ostracise’ is used as a verb in the past tense. It is used to show that anybody who was brave enough or confident enough to speak out, was removed from society. Another way to say this would be ‘he was exiled’.

Now, we know the meaning and usage of the given word. Let’s look at the available options:

a) welcome - The word ‘welcome’ refers to ‘greet (someone arriving) in a polite or friendly way'. This word has the opposite sentiment and meaning to the given word. It is not the synonym of ‘ostracise’. This is not the required answer. So, this is an incorrect option.
b) include - The word ‘include’ refers to ‘comprise or contain as part of a whole’. This word also has the opposite sentiment and meaning to the given word. It is not the synonym of ‘ostracise’. This is not the required answer. So, this is an incorrect option.
c) expedite - The word ‘expedite’ refers to ‘make (an action or process) happen sooner or be accomplished more quickly'. This word has a different meaning to the given word. It is not the synonym of ‘ostracise’. This is not the required answer. So, this is an incorrect option.
d) exclude - The word ‘exclude’ refers to ‘deny (someone) access to a place, group, or privilege’. This word has the exact same meaning as the given word. It is the synonym of ‘ostracise’. This is the required answer. So, this is the correct option.

Note:
Try to understand the context of the given word, and look through the given options.
Differentiate between each of the options as they have a difference in meaning. Choose
the most appropriate option i.e. the option that is closest in meaning to the given word.