Question
Which one of the following combinations is incorrect?
Official answer and solution
- Official answer
- B
- From
- Official GATE 2015 answer key
Solution
Identify the pair of words that are not synonyms.
Let us analyze each pair:
- Acquiescence - Submission: Synonyms (both denote reluctant acceptance or compliance).
- Flippancy - Lightness: Synonyms (both denote lack of proper seriousness or levity).
- Profligate - Extravagant: Synonyms (both denote recklessly wasteful spending or behavior).
- Wheedle - Roundabout: 'Wheedle' means to coax or flatter someone to persuade them; 'roundabout' means circuitous or indirect. They are not synonymous.
Thus, combination B is incorrect.
Final answer
B
Common trap
Confusing 'wheedle' (to cajole or flatter) with 'inveigle' or roundabout conversation.
The answer is the one in the official GATE answer key. The solution is this site's own explanation.
Source
- Paper
- GATE 2015 Computer Science and Information Technology (CS) Session 1
- Question
- 5 of 65, printed as GA Q.5
- Section
- General Aptitude
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