Question

Choose the option which best expresses the meaning of the given word- PERFIDY
a. Debauchery
b. Theft
c. Treachery
d. Conceit

Answer 1

Hint: Perfidy refers to the state of behaving badly towards others or the action of being disloyal.

Complete answer:
The word ‘perfidy’ has been derived from the Latin word- Perfidus, which means treacherous.
We know the meaning and the origin of the word ‘perfidy’. Now, let’s look at its usage:
Example- I haven’t been able to forget my brother’s act of perfidy towards me. Here, we can understand that X hasn’t been able to forget his brother’s act of disloyalty or treachery towards him.
Let’s examine the meaning of the given options-
- Option a- ‘Debauchery’ refers to the act of being immoral or wicked in ways. Example- The newspaper stated reports of debauchery and drug abuse. ‘Debauchery’ is different in meaning to perfidy. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
- Option b- ‘Theft’ refers to the crime of robbing or stealing something. Example- He was evicted for theft. ‘Theft’ is different in meaning to perfidy. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
- Option c- ‘Treachery’ refers to the action of betraying or being disloyal towards someone. Example- The king was imprisoned for treachery. ‘Treachery’ is similar in meaning to perfidy. Hence, it is the correct option.
- Option d- ‘Conceit’ refers to excessive pride or self-adulation. Example- The selfish boy is full of conceit and arrogance. ‘Conceit’ is different in meaning to perfidy. Hence, it is an incorrect option.

> The correct answer is Option ‘c’.

Note: Perfidy is a form of deception which is used in the context of war. It can also be used to represent the disloyalty between two countries in terms of an agreement.