Question

Find the synonym of the underlined word.
Her swollen tonsils are obstructing the doctor's view of her throat.
A. Encouraging
B. Assisting
C. Aiding
D. Impeding
E. Revealing.

Answer 1

Hint: In this question we need to look for the synonym of the given word ‘obstructing’, let’s first understand what synonym means – Two words with a nearly common meaning or same meaning words are called synonyms.

Complete answer:
The word obstructing means: this word is present participles of the word ‘obstruct’ which means: block (an opening, path, road, etc.); be or get in the way of.
Now let’s analyze and examine the given options above:
Encouraging: this word is a present participle of the word encourage which means: give support, confidence, or hope to (someone). This word is totally opposite of the given word.
Synonyms: cheer, motivating etc.
Example: "they were encouraged to work hard”.
Assisting: this word is the present participle of the word assist which means: help (someone), typically by doing a share of the work. This word is neither correct nor related to the given word.
Synonyms: help, aid etc.
Example: "a senior academic would assist him in his work".
Aiding: this word is the present participle of the word aid which means: help, typically of a practical nature. This option is inappropriate.
Synonyms: support, assistance, support etc.
Example: "i saw the pilot slumped in his cockpit and rushed to his aid".
Revealing: this word the present participle of the word reveal which means: making captivating or significant information known, especially of a personal nature. This word is neither correct nor relevant.
Synonyms: divulge, disclose etc.
Example: "a revealing interview".
Impeding: this word is the present participles of the word ‘impede’ which means: delay or prevent (someone or something) by obstructing them; hinder.

The option (D) is absolutely correct as a synonym of the given word since they both mean the same.

Synonyms: become obstacle, obstruct, hamper etc.
Example: "the sap causes swelling which can impede breathing".

Note: Given answer will help you get the right synonyms word to the given word in the question. For solving such questions the practice of the synonyms is required and we must know the right synonym of any word because sometimes the same word means differently.
Try to identify the meaning of the word and evaluate whether it has a positive negative or neutral connotation.