Question

Before I could expostulate he had spoken again.
 Choose the word(s) which can correctly replace the word(s) printed in italic bold in the sentence without changing the meaning of it.
A) postulate
B) protest
C) explain
D) disclose

Answer 1

Hint: A synonym is a term, morpheme, or phrase that has the same or nearly the same meaning as another word, morpheme, or phrase from the same language. The simplest basic criteria for synonymy is substitution: given a sentence, one form can be replaced with another without changing the context. When an author avoids employing synonyms for the same phrase in close proximity, he or she creates elegant diversity.

Complete answer:
The term "expostulate" refers to expressing severe displeasure or expressing strong disapproval or disagreement. In this question, we have to find the word which means the same as the given word ‘expostulate’.

Let us look at the given options:
A) postulate: This option is incorrect because it is not a synonym of ‘expostulate’. ‘Postulate’ denotes a suggestion or assumption for reasoning.
B) protest: A protest is an action or a speech that expresses disapproval of something. The statement implies that the other person spoke again before he could object. So, it is the correct answer.
C) explain: This option is incorrect because it is not a synonym of ‘expostulate’. ‘Explain’ implies elucidating the meaning of the words or actions.
D) disclose: This option is incorrect because it is not a synonym of ‘expostulate’. Disclose refers to making a secret public.

Thus, the correct answer is Option B) protest.

Note: The primary distinction between synonyms and antonyms is that synonyms have comparable meanings, but antonyms have opposing meanings. Synonyms are the polar opposites of antonyms. When studying a language, it is critical to understand synonyms and antonyms of terms.