Question

Choose the most suitable one-word for the following phrase.
To break off proceedings of a meeting for a time
a- Convene
b- Terminate
c- Adjourn
d- Procrastinate

Answer 1

Hint: We use one-word substitutions to replace a group of words or a phrase. ‘To break off proceedings of a meeting for a time’ refers to suspending or postponing a meeting with the purpose of recommencing it later.

Complete answer:
We use ‘adjourn’ to indicate suspension or breaking off proceedings of a meeting for a time.
The word, ‘adjourn’ has been derived from the Old French word- a jorn nome, which means to an appointed day.
We know the meaning and the origin of the word. Now, let’s look at its usage:
For example- The judge adjourned the meeting until next month. Here, we can conclude that a judge, X, postponed or suspended the meeting until next month.
Let’s examine the given options-
Option a- ‘Convene’ refers to ordering or summoning people for something. Example- The minister convened a meeting of the cabinet. ‘Convene’ is different in meaning to the given context. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Option b- ‘Terminate’ refers to ending or discontinuing something. Example- The company terminated his contract. ‘Terminate’ is different in meaning to the given context. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Option c- ‘Adjourn’ refers to postponing or suspending something. ‘Adjourn’ is similar in meaning to the given context. Hence, it is the correct option.
Option d- ‘Procrastinate’ refers to delaying or deferring an action. Example- He missed the opportunity because he kept procrastinating. ‘Procrastinate’ is different in meaning to the given context. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
So, the correct answer is “Option c”.

Note:
Some other one-word substitutions for the phrase ‘to break off proceedings of a meeting for a time’ are; forgather, retire, withdraw, etc.