Question

Choose the synonym of the given word.
Desolate
(a) Deserted
(b) Gloomy
(c) Hard
(d) Fiery
(e) Cheerful

Answer 1

Hint: We need to find the synonym of the word desolate. Read the question and try to understand the context, it will give you an idea about the meaning of the given word. Now go through the options and recall their meaning. The one closest to the meaning of desolate is the desired answer.

Complete answer:
  A synonym refers to a word that is closest in meaning to a given word. For example- Happy is a synonym for cheerful.
‘Desolate’ refers to a vacated or uninhabited place. The word ‘desolate’ has been derived from the Latin word- Desolus, which means thoroughly alone.
We know the meaning and the origin of the word ‘desolate’. Now, let’s look at its usage-
For example- The mischievous children of our street planned to visit the desolate field. Here, we can conclude that the mischievous children of X and Y’s street planned to visit the deserted or the vacant field.
Let’s examine the meaning of the given options-
Option a- ‘Deserted’ refers to a vacant or unoccupied place. ‘Deserted’ is similar in meaning to the given context. Hence, it is the correct option.
Option b- ‘Gloomy’ refers to a dark and dim place. ‘Gloomy’ is different in meaning to the given context. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Option c- ‘Hard’ refers to something solid or firm. ‘Hard’ is different in meaning to the given context. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Option d- ‘Fiery’ refers to raging or flaming. ‘Fiery’ is different in meaning to the given context. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Option e- ‘Cheerful’ refers to being happy or jolly. ‘Cheerful’ is different in meaning to the given context. Hence, it is an incorrect option. Hence, the correct answer is Option ‘a’.

Note:
 Some other synonyms for ‘desolate’ are- barren, arid, abandoned, etc while some antonyms for ‘desolate’ are; fertile, populous, inhabited, etc.