Question

Choose the alternative which can replace the word printed in italic bold without changing the meaning of the sentence.
Power went to her head and she could not stand even minor criticism.
a- Appreciate
b- Digest
c- Accept
d- Bear

Answer 1

Hint: A synonym refers to a word that is exactly or partially the same in meaning as another word. For example- Death is a synonym for demise. ‘Stand’ refers to the ability of a person to tolerate or put up with something.

Complete answer:
The word, ‘stand’ has been derived from the Old English word- Standan.
We know the meaning and the origin of the word, ‘stand’. Now, let’s look at its usage:
Example- My sister can’t stand the way her boss speaks to her. Here, we can conclude that X’s sister cannot tolerate or bear the way her boss speaks to her.
Let’s examine the given options-
Option a- ‘Appreciate’ refers to valuing or respecting something. Example- My teacher appreciated my efforts. ‘Appreciate’ is different in meaning to ‘stand’. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Option b- ‘Digest’ refers to understanding or comprehending something. Example- My mother was unable to digest the news of robbery. ‘Digest’ is different in meaning to ‘stand’. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Option c- ‘Accept’ refers to receiving or obtaining something. Example- She accepted my invitation. ‘Accept’ is different in meaning to ‘stand’. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Option d- ‘Bear’ refers to tolerating or putting up with something or someone. Example- She was unable to bear the sight of his face. ‘Bear’ is similar in meaning to ‘stand’. Hence, it is the correct option.
The correct answer is Option ‘d’.

Note:
Some other frequently used synonyms of ‘stand’ are; tolerate, endure, indulge, etc. While some antonyms of ‘stand’ are; resist, prohibit, reject, etc.