Question

Choose the one which best expresses the meaning of

TAINT

a)soil
b)stain
c)dirty
d)corrupt

Answer 1

Hint: Synonyms are words or phrases that mean exactly or nearly the same as another word or phrase.

Complete step-by-step answer:

In the given question, the word ‘taint’ refers to contaminate or pollute something; or affect with bad or undesirable quality.
Let us analyze the options given to us in this question:
Option (a.), 'soil', refers to making something dirty; or bringing discredit to something, or tarnishing something. Therefore, option (a.) is incorrect as it is not exactly synonymous with the word ‘taint’.

Option (b.), ‘stain', refers to mark or discolor with something that is not easily removed. Therefore, option (b.) is incorrect as it is not exactly synonymous with the word ‘taint’.

Option (c.), ‘dirty', refers to covered or marked with an unclean substance. Therefore, option (c.) is incorrect as it is not exactly synonymous with the word ‘taint’.

Option (d.), ‘corrupt', refers to (of organic or inorganic matter) in a state of decay; rotten or putrid. Therefore, option (d.) is correct as it is synonymous with the given word ‘taint’.

Note: In all the given options, the basic meaning is that something is damaged. However, options a, b, and c are not the synonyms of the word ‘taint’ as these words indicate that something (an unclean substance) is on another substance that damages it; whereas the word ‘corrupt’ does not indicate so. It does not indicate that any unclean substance or such damages another thing, which resembles the meaning of the word ‘taint’.