Question

Choose the word which best expresses the meaning of the italicized part of the sentence:
Everyone in the bazaar turned to stare at the visitor and his preposterous dress.
A. Pompous
B. Vague
C. Absurd
D. Strange

Answer 1

Hint: The sentence suggests that everyone in the bazaar stared at the visitor and his dress. Anyone would stare at us only when something would be unusual about us. The word ‘preposterous’ means utterly foolish, senseless, against common sense, absurd. We will look for a word that best describes this meaning.

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

Pompous: The word pompous means a pretentious display of importance or dignity, magnificence. Example: The event was pompous. This doesn’t express the meaning of the given word, therefore this is an incorrect option.
Vague: The word vague means not clear or indistinct in nature, indefinite. Example: He gave a vague idea of the project, hence was not accepted. This doesn’t express the meaning of the given word, therefore this is an incorrect option.
Absurd: The word absurd means senseless, utterly illogical, contrary to common sense. Example: He was looking absurd among the rest of the participants. This word means the same as the word ‘preposterous’, therefore this is the correct option.
Strange: The word strange means odd, extraordinary or unusual. Example: Something is strange about him today. This doesn’t express the meaning of the given word, therefore this is an incorrect option.

So, the correct answer is “Option C”.

Note:
Do not confuse the answer with the word ‘strange’ as being strange doesn’t necessarily mean being foolish. Some more synonyms of the word ‘preposterous’ are crazy, foolish, insane. Some antonyms of the same word are logical, sensible. Example: She always dresses sensibly.