Question

Choose the alternative which can replace the underlined word without changing the meaning of the sentence.
Tax evasion amounts to larcenous accumulation of public money by some unscrupulous individuals.
A. Miserly
B. Extravagant
C. Theft
D. Shrewd

Answer 1

Hint: Larcenous means to exhibit the tendency to acquire good through stealing. It is an adjective.

Complete answer:
From the hint given to us, we understand the meaning of larcenous. Let us observe its usage in a sentence.
For example: His larcenous ways landed him behind the bars.
The alternative of larcenous must be similar to it in meaning, in order to replace it without changing the meaning of the sentence.
Let us analyse the given options to find out the correct answer.
- Miserly means being close fisted. It is an adjective.
For example: He had less friends due to his miserly attitude.
We observe that it is not similar in meaning to larcenous. Hence, we can say that option ‘a’ is not the correct answer.
- Extravagant means very costly or expensive. It is an adjective.
For example: She gifted an extravagant watch to her mother.
We observe that it is not similar in meaning to larcenous. Hence, we can say that option ‘b’ is not the correct answer.
- Theft means to steal or to acquire something which does not belong to the individual without taking consent of the owner with the intent of depriving him of it.
For example: He was arrested for his role in the theft.
We observe that it is similar in meaning to larcenous. Hence, we can say that option ‘c’ is the correct answer.
- Shrewd means to be cunning or clever. It is an adjective.
For example: People dislike her for her shrewd behaviour.
We observe that it is not similar in meaning to larcenous. Hence, we can say that option ‘d’ is not the correct answer.

> Thus, the correct answer is option ‘c’ - theft.

Note: One must be able to understand the meaning of the words given in the options, in order to pick the appropriate one without any errors.