Question

Choose the appropriate synonym for the given word:
Baneful

a)generous
b)kindly
c)harmful
d)severity
e)superfluous

Answer 1

Hint: The word ‘baneful’ refers to ‘something destructive'. It is usually used as an adjective.

Complete answer:

The word ‘baneful’ can be used in a sentence as follows:
For example, in the sentence ‘The effects of smoking and drinking are baneful to your overall health’, the word ‘baneful’ refers to the harmful effects that these actions have.

However, this word is considered ‘archaic’, i.e. it is not used in daily life now. It is considered an old word and is out of use.

Now, we know the meaning and usage of the word ‘baneful’. Let’s look at our options:

a)generous - The word ‘generous’ refers to ‘showing a readiness to give more of something, especially money than is strictly necessary or expected'. It has a completely different meaning to the word ‘baneful’. It is not the required synonym. So, this is an incorrect answer.
b)kindly - The word ‘kindly’ refers to ‘in a kind manner'. It has a very different meaning to the word ‘baneful’. It is not the required synonym. So, this is an incorrect answer.
c)harmful - The word ‘harmful’ refers to ‘causing or likely to cause harm'. It has the exact same meaning as the given word. It is the required synonym. So, this is the correct answer.
d)severity - The word ‘severity’ refers to ‘the fact or condition of being severe'. It has a completely unrelated meaning to the given word. It is not the required synonym. So, this is an incorrect option.
e)superfluous - The word ‘superfluous’ refers to ‘unnecessary, especially through being more than enough'. It has a different meaning to the given word. It is not the required synonym. So, this is an incorrect option.

Note: Understand the meaning of each option and the given word carefully. Try to use them in the context of a sentence. Then, choose the word that has the exact same meaning as the given word, i.e. a synonym.