Question

Choose the correct synonym for the following words.
Pertinacious
a. Defensive
b. Humble
c. Determined
d. Delicate

Answer 1

Hint: Synonyms are words that are similar or have a related meaning to another word. Divide the word into two parts, suffix and prefix. Try to identify the meaning of the word and evaluate whether it has a positive negative or neutral connotation.

Complete answer:
The word Pertinacious means holding tenaciously to a purpose, course of action or opinion.
Synonyms are determined, persistent, assiduous
Example:
Like most successful writers, she is pertinacious and single- minded in the pursuit of her goal.
The ideas of my friend John , though limited are exceedingly pertinacious .

The correct synonym for the word Pertinacious is option( C ) Determined. The rest of the options are not the correct answer.

Now let us discuss the meaning of all the given words.

a. Defensive
The word defensive means to protect someone or something against attack.
Synonyms are safeguard , protect
Example:
The army hastily organised defensive measures against the attack.
The mines were laid around the town as a defensive measure.

The other meaning of the defensive is to quickly protect yourself from being criticised.
Synonyms are self- justify, uptight
Example-
When asked about her decision, she got very defensive.
Don’t ask her about her decision, she gets defensive.

b. Humble
The word humble means somebody who is not proud or haughty. Having or showing a modest or low estimate of one’s importance.
Synonyms are modest, simple, courteous
Example:
She’s very humble about her success.
Defeat and failure make people humble.

d. Delicate
The word delicate means something which is very fine in texture or structure, which can be easily broken or damaged, something which is fragile.
Synonyms are : intricate, elegant, frail
Example:
Babies have delicate skin.
Sia’s health has always been delicate.

Note: Suffix - a letter or a group of letters added at the end of the word to make a new word. Prefix means a letter or a group of letters added at the beginning of the word to make a new word.