Question

Choose the closest definition of the underline word-
A prevalent disease is one which is _ _ _ _ _ _.
a) Dangerous
b) Identified
c) Known
d) Widespread

Answer 1

Hint:The dictionary meaning of the given word “prevalent” is “widespread in a particular area or at a particular time”. For example: The social ills prevalent in society today.

Complete answer:
“Prevalent” is an adjective. Something that is generally or widely accepted, practice, or favoured; widespread. It also means – being in the ascendancy; dominant. In the given question, we have to choose the closest definition of the word “prevalent”.
Now, let us examine all the given option to find out the correct answer:
Option ‘a’ is Dangerous. It is an adjective that means to be able or likely to cause harm or injury. For example: A dangerous animal.
Option ‘b’ is Identified. It is a verb which means to establish or indicate who or what (someone or something) is. For example: The judge ordered that the gi should not be identified.
Option ‘c’ is Known. It is a verb and a past participle of “know”. It means – recognized, familiar, or with the scope of knowledge. For example: Plants are little known to western science.
Option ‘d’ is Widespread. It is an adjective which means – found or distributed over a large area or number of people. For example : There was widespread support for the war.
As we have analysed all the given options, we can easily figure out the correct answer. Here, the word which is closest in meaning to the given word – prevalent is “widespread”.So, the correct answer is “Option d”.

Note:
Don’t confuse between known and widespread. Known is generally (someone) who is popular and is a public figure, whereas widespread can be anything (other than a person).