Question

Find the synonym of the underlined word-
Agriculture, one of the world’s oldest industries, has its roots in Anatolia.
a)Origin
b)Problems
c)Growth
d)Development
e)Seeds

Answer 1

Hint: A synonym refers to a word that is completely or nearly the same in meaning to another word. Example- Obese is a synonym of overweight. ‘Roots’ refers to the source or origin of something.

Complete answer:
The word ‘root’ has been derived from the Old Norse word- Rot.
We know the meaning and the origin of the word ‘root’. Now, let’s look at its usage-
Example- The main motive of a therapist is to find the root cause of his patient’s problems or issues. Here, we can understand that the main aim of a therapist is to find the origin or the beginning of the problems or issues of his patient.
In the given question: We can conclude that one of the world’s oldest industries; Agriculture, has its origin or source in Anatolia.
Let’s decipher the meaning of the given options-
Option a- ‘Origin’ refers to the starting point or the beginning of something. Example- We are working on the theory of the origin of our company. ‘Origin’ is similar in meaning to roots. Hence, it is the correct option.
Option b- ‘Problems’ refers to the complications or difficulties faced by a person. Example- My neighbors have been going through an extreme financial problem. ‘Problem’ is different in meaning to roots. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Option c- ‘Growth’ refers to the process of growing or developing in body and mind. Example- I take good care of my plants to enhance better growth. ‘Growth’ is different in meaning to roots. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Option d- ‘Development’ refers to the process of growing or maturing. Example- Our government is focused on the development of our country. ‘Development’ is different in meaning to roots. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Option e- ‘Seeds’ refers to the ovule of a flowering part that grows into an adult plant. Example- They have sowed many seeds in the garden. ‘Seeds’ is completely different in meaning to roots. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
The correct answer is Option ‘a’.

Note: Use the elimination method to choose the word that is most suitable and logical in matching with the context and meaning of the given sentence.