Explanatory Notes for VAHO1002108
Explanatory notes for questions 1 to 5:
1. The word sacrilege, derived from the root sacr = sacred, holy
means blasphemy or disrespect. The word profanity (pro =
ahead, forth) which means irreverence, is synonymous with
it. Castigation means severe reprimand or criticism.
Choice (B)
2. The word seminal (sem = seed) means highly original and
influencing the development of future events. The word
influential is clearly its synonym. Hypothetical, derived from
the root hypo = under, too little (assumptive, debatable),
pervasive (prevalent) and pertinent (relevant) are misfits in
the given context. Choice (A)
3. The root in the word insurgent is surg = rise. The word rebel
is synonymous with it. Insurgent can be used both as a noun
and as an adjective. If used as an adjective, the words
rebellious, insurrectionary and dissatisfied are synonymous
with it. An infidel is an agnostic or a non–believer.
A rationalist is a free-thinker. A pacifist is a peace-lover.
Choice (D)
4. The word taciturn (tacit = silent) means cold or reserved. The
word reticent is synonymous with it. The words hostile,
hubristic (arrogant) and congenial (affable) are not relevant
in this context. Choice (A)
5. The word subvert, derived from the root sub = under: below
and vert = to turn, means undermine or weaken. Intimidate
(tim = fear) is to coerce or bully. Condescend is to demean
oneself. Vilify means abuse or curse. Choice (B)
Explanatory notes for questions 6 to 10:
6. The word desultory is derived from the root sult = jump, leap.
Desultory means aimless or haphazard. Methodical is its
antonym. Superficial (super = above) means cursory,
haphazard means aimless or uncoordinated.
Choice (B)
7. The word tactile is derived from the root tact = touch.
It means perceptible or palpable. Intangible is the antonym
of tactile. Robust (strong); enervating (debilitating) and
insouciant (easy-going) are inappropriate in the given
context. Choice (C)
8. The root in the word tremulous is trem = shake, fear.
Tremulous means quavering or shaky. The word steady is
its antonym. The words irresolute (indecisive) presumptuous
(arrogant) and obdurate (adamant) are not pertinent in the
given context. Choice (D)
9. Urbane is derived from the root urb = city. It means polished
or sophisticated. Boorish, meaning uncultured or unrefined,
is opposite in meaning to the word urbane. The words suave
(stylish, elegant), rational(pragmatic) and antiquated
(ancient) are not suitable in this context. Choice (C)
10. The word convivial is derived from the root vita / viva = life,
alive. The meaning of convivial is welcoming, friendly.
The word unfriendly is its antonym. The words jovial,
vivacious (lively) and flamboyant (flashy; dazzling) are not
related. Choice (D)
Explanatory notes for questions 11 to 15:
11. Quintessence (derived from the root quin = five), epitome
and embodiment are synonyms. Metaphor, which is a figure
of speech in which a term or phrase is applied to something
to which it is not literally applicable in order to suggest
a resemblance, is the odd one out. Choice (A)
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12. The word corroboration, derived from the root robor =
strength, is synonymous with validation and confirmation.
Elucidation (clarification) is the odd one out. Choice (B)
13. The words conjecture (derived form the root ject = to throw),
surmise and speculation convey the same meaning.
Exposition, meaning explanation, is the odd one out.
Choice (D)
14. The word commiserate derived from the root miser =
wetched, pity, means to empathize or console. Wheedle
(wax; cajole) is the odd word in the category.
Choice (B)
15. The words premonition (derived from the root mon = warn)
forboding and portent are synonyms. Exhortation
(persuasion) is the odd word. Choice (A)
Explanatory notes for questions 16 to 20:
16. The words undermining (subverting, weakening) and
obliterating (effacing) cannot be used with fundamental
rights. It cannot be said that fundamental rights are
undermined or obliterated. Hence options A and D can be
eliminated. The words suppressing and demolishing can fit
into the second blank but the word risible (rid/ris = laugh)
(laughable) does not make sense in the first blank.
The words ludicrous (lud/lus = play) and demolishing are
most appropriate. Choice (C)
17. The first words of options A, B and D are possible in the first
blank but the word abating (subsiding) is a misfit here. Hence
option C is ruled out. Options B and D can be eliminated
because the words deterioration and erosion cannot be used
with habitats. Only option A is apt. Choice (A)
18. The structure of the sentence suggests that the words which
fit into the two blanks are contradictory. Among the given
options, only the words suave (agreeable and courteous)
and stern (harsh; severe) present a contrast which is
intended in the sentence. The words charismatic (charming)
and grim, urbane (dignified) and gaunt (haggard), debonair
(sophisticated) and deadpan (emotionless) are inappropriate
in comparison. Choice (A)
19. The words lectern, (derived form the root lect = read speak)
which refers to a stand for holding a book, notes etc when
you are reading in a church, giving a talk etc does not fit in
this context. The words rostrum, podium and platform are
synonymous meaning ‘a raised horizontal surface’.
However, the term platform has a sense of being a place or
means/opportunity for public expression. Hence ‘C’ is most
suitable. Choice (C)
20. Only option A is most logical. Mutually exclusive qualities are
best described as dichotomies. But mutually analogous
(related) qualities are not chasms (breaches), mutually
complementary (harmonizing) qualities are not polarities
(conflicts) mutually reciprocal (correlative) qualities are not
disjunctions (polarities). Hence options B, C and D are
illogical. Choice (A)
Explanatory notes for questions 21 to 25:
21. A pedagogue (teacher; instructor) teaches, a pontiff
sermonizes (preaches). An arbitrator negotiates but not an
arbiter. A lyricist (a person who composes songs) does not
sing. Clairvoyant (a person who is able to see future events)
and apprise (advise) are not related.
Choice (C)
VAHO1002108.Exp/1
22. Seismic means of or related to earthquakes. Fluvial means
pertaining to rivers. Option B is incorrect because the word
pluvial is an adjective pertaining to rains. Pluvial clouds refer
to rain clouds. Insular means of or related to islands.
Funicular refers to a railway on a steep slope, used to
transport passengers up and down in special cars by means
of moving a cable. Choice (A)
23. An iconoclast (a person who strongly opposes generally
accepted beliefs) is associated with scepticism (disbelief),
a sophist (one who uses fallacious arguments) is associated
with casuistry (a way of solving moral or legal problems by
using clever arguments that may be false). A heretic
(a person holding a belief or opinion that is against the
principles of a particular religion) is not associated with
conformism, a jingoist (one who believes that his country is
best) is not associated with idiosyncrasy (physical condition
peculiar to an individual), an ideologue (a person whose
actions are influenced by a belief in a set of principles) is not
associated with cynicism (the belief that people only do
things to help themselves rather than for good or honest
reasons). Choice (B)
24. An imbecile (a dullard, an ignorant person), lacks
intelligence, similarly a hedonist (a pleasure-seeker) lacks
abstemiousness (self-denial; restraint). Tact is an essential
quality of a diplomat. The word virtuoso (a person who is
extremely skilled at doing something) and ethics; felon
(a criminal) and erudition, (learning) are not related.
Choice (D)
25. A prodigal (a spendthrift) lacks thrift (economy), a reprobate
(an immoral person) lacks morality. The words desperado
(a person who does dangerous things without caring about
himself or other) and fear, maverick (a non–conformist) and
rebellion, ascetic (a person who renounces physical
pleasure) and rectitude (uprightness) are not analogous to
the original pair. Choice (C)
Explanatory notes for questions 26 to 30:
26. Yes. The word sanctuary is derived from the root sanct = sacred
holy. It refers to a safe haven or an asylum.
27. Yes. Prescient means prophetic or psychic. It is derived from
the root scien = to know.
28. No. Proscribe is derived from the root scrib = write. It means
to ban something or to make something illegal.
29. Yes. A somnambulist is a sleep walker. The word
somnambulist is derived from the root somn = sleep.
30. Yes. The word contentious is derived from the root tent = stretch.
Contentious means arguable or debatable.
Explanatory notes for questions 31 to 38:
31. The use of ‘out’ after keep is incorrect in choice D.
The correct expression is '……keep from' meaning to
manage to prevent yourself form doing something.
Choice (D)
32. The error lies in option C. The correct expression is ‘match
up’ to match up with something means to be the same or
similar. Choice (C)
33. The expression 'light up' does not make sense in choice A.
The correct expression is 'light upon' which means to find or
think of something unexpectedly. Choice (A)
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34. The phrasal verb 'jump at' is incorrect in option A. The correct
phrasal verb to be used here is 'jump on', meaning to criticize
someone as soon as they have done something wrong or
said something that you disagree with. Choice (A)
35. The expression 'look ahead' is incorrect in choice D. 'Look
ahead', meaning to think about what will happen in the future
and plan for these events, does not make sense in this
context. The correct phrasal verb is 'look forward'.
The expression ('look forward + verb + ing) is used at the
end of a formal letter to say you hope to hear from or see
someone soon, or that you expect something from them.
Choice (D)
36. Choice A is incorrect. The use of the article is incorrect in the
expression 'take issue with’ meaning to disagree strongly.
Choice (A)
37. '……..slow off the mark' is the correct expression in choice
C. To be slow off the mark is to be slow to act or react to
an event or situation. Choice (C)
38. The phrasal verb lead up is incorrect in choice D. The correct
expression is 'lead off' meaning to start something.
Choice (D)
Explanatory notes for questions 39 to 45:
39. Totalitarianism can be described as a threat (a danger) to
mankind but it cannot be described as a plague (epidemic,
disease) torment (agony, anguish) or burden. Hence only
option B is apt here. Choice (B)
40. The passage precisely speaks about totalitarianism (tyranny,
dictatorship) hence option A fits the blank perfectly.
The words sovereign (ruler), emperor and baron are
inappropriate in comparison. Choice (A)
41. Choice A is most appropriate in this context it is correct to
say that horrors are perpetrated. The words executed
(performed; accomplished) or worked (brought about) do not
collocate with horrors. The word interpreted is clearly out of
context. Choice (A)
42. Only option D is most appropriate in this context. "Altruists'
justify the horrors perpetrated by them by saying that they
are doing so for the common good. The word propitiate
(appease), sustain (aid, approve) and establish don't make
sense in this context. Choice (D)
43. Throughout the passage the author states that collectivism
is a threat to individual rights. Collectivism is one of the
spiritual weapons which have enslaved (coerced' compelled)
men. The words enriched and empowered which are positive
words are misfits in this context. The word embittered (irked;
irritated) does not make sense here. Choice (D)
44. Those rights which men cannot be deprived of are
inalienable (not capable of being taken away or denied)
rights. Only option C suits the blank most appropriately.
The words ineluctable (inevitable ; inescapable) injudicious
(jud = judge) and intangible (impabable) are inappropriate in
comparison. Choice (C)
45. The word which fits into the blank should contrast with the
word evildoer, hence benefactor is the appropriate word
here. The words reprobate (outcast), puritan (prude) and
debauchee (libertine; sybarite) do not suit the context.
Choice (A)