Question

Choose the word which best expresses the meaning of the italicized bold part of the sentence:
Most of the politicians these days have a large number of toadies around them.
A. Followers
B. Professional assistants
C. Servants
D. Sycophants

Answer 1

Hint: The italicised word here ‘toadies’ means people who artificially admire or flatter for their self interest. They do not appreciate you genuinely, but they would pretend so to impress. Look for a word that is closest in meaning to this word, that will be our answer.

Complete step by step answer:
Let us analyse each option individually to know the correct answer.

Followers: The word follower means someone who follows, which means to move after, to go in the same direction, to come next in sequence. Example: The singer has many followers.
This is not similar to the meaning of the word ‘toadies’, therefore it is an incorrect option.
Professional assistants: Professional assistants are the people who are involved to assist professionally. They look after a lot of things in a particular profession. They manage, direct, and help you with your professional work. This is not similar to the meaning of the word ‘toadies’, therefore it is an incorrect option.
Servants: Servants are the people who are hired to do what we direct them to do. Generally, they are responsible for the minimal jobs of domestic houses. Example: We have two servants at home. This is not similar to the meaning of the word ‘toadies’, therefore it is an incorrect option.
Sycophants: Sycophants are people who are servile flatterers, they compliment you insincerely and excessively. They try to please you for their personal interests. Example: Beware of sycophants in life. This is similar in meaning to the word ‘toadies’. Therefore, this is the correct option.

So, the correct answer is “Option D”.

Note:
Do not confuse the answer with the other options as in the other options the people are sincerely indulged to service you or genuinely appreciate or admire you, whereas the answer ‘sycophants’ is artificial liking or pleasing, a fake admirer. More synonyms of the word ‘toadies’ are groupie, lackey.