Question

Find the synonym of the underlined word.
Digital watches that display time electronically are swiftly replacing analogue watches.
(a)gradually
(b)eventually
(c)previously
(d)rapidly
(e)steadily

Answer 1

Hint: The word ‘swiftly’ refers to ‘at high speed; quickly'. This word is usually used as an adverb. The adjective form of the given word is ‘swift’. Another synonym of this word is ‘briskly’.

Complete answer: A synonym is a word or phrase that means exactly or nearly the same as another word or phrase in the same language, for example, ‘shut’ is a synonym of ‘close’, as they convey the same exact meaning as each other. Now, we know the meaning and usage of the given word. Let’s look at the given options:
(a)gradually - The word ‘gradually’ refers to ‘in a gradual way; slowly; by degrees’. This word has a very different meaning to the given word. It cannot be the synonym of the given word ‘swiftly’. This is not the required answer. So, this is an incorrect option.
(b)eventually - The word ‘eventually’ refers to ‘in the end, especially after a long delay, dispute, or series of problems’. This word has a very different meaning to the given word. It cannot be the synonym of the given word ‘swiftly’. This is not the required answer. So, this is an incorrect option.
(c)previously - The word ‘previously’ refers to ‘at a previous or earlier time; before’. This word has a very different meaning to the given word. It cannot be the synonym of the given word ‘swiftly’. This is not the required answer. So, this is an incorrect option.
(d)rapidly - The word ‘rapidly’ refers to ‘very quickly; at a great rate’. This word has the exact same meaning as the given word. It is the synonym of the given word ‘swiftly’. This is the required answer. So, this is the correct option.
(e)steadily - The word ‘steadily’ refers to ‘in a regular and even manner’. This word has a very different meaning to the given word. It cannot be the synonym of the given word ‘swiftly’. This is not the required answer. So, this is an incorrect option.

Note: Make sure to understand the meaning of the question and the word given. Go
through all the given options, and pick out the option that is closest in meaning to the highlighted word.