Question

A contextual sentence is given below for the word in capitals.
Choose the option that is most inappropriate in the given context:
PARSIMONIOUS: The evidence was constructed from every parsimonious scrap of information.
a) Prevalent
b) Penurious
c) Thrifty
d) Altruistic

Answer 1

Hint: Since we have to find the most inappropriate word for “parsimonious” to be used in its place in the sentence, we can say that we need an antonym or a word that is totally opposite of the root word.

Complete answer:
For the solution to the above question, we need to find (from the given options) the word that is “NOT” appropriate, i.e. the word that does not provide the same meaning as parsimonious but a different meaning.
So, what does parsimonious mean?
Parsimonious means someone who is unwilling to spend money or use resources that are available. For example – even the most parsimonious person from our group pays his own bills.
So, parsimonious defines who is selfish and does not want to let go of his money or resources very easily. So the most inappropriate word would be the one whose meaning defines a selfless person.
Now, that we understand the question let us look into the options and try to find the correct solution. So –
a) Prevalent – the word defines (someone or) something that is popular or widespread at a particular area or time. This has no relation (either similar or opposite) with the root word.
b) Penurious – the word defines a person who is unwilling to spend money or is mean. Sometimes it is used to describe a poverty-stricken person.
c) Thrifty – the word describes a person who uses money and other resources very carefully, i.e., somewhat greedy or skimpy in nature.
d) Altruistic – the word defines someone who is selfless and is concerned with the welfare or well–being of others.
So, as you can understand by the above-given explanations the correct answer would be an option (d), i.e. altruistic.

Note:
In the above question, you need an antonym. Use the elimination method to help you decide your solution. The first option is no way related to the root word therefore, you can easily eliminate t.