Question

Choose the one which best expresses the meaning of
ERSATZ
a) Inferior
b) Imitation
c) Genuine
d) Original

Answer 1

Hint: The word ‘ersatz’ refers to ‘(of a product) made or used as a substitute, typically one of bad quality, for something else'. The given word is usually used as an adjective. Another synonym of this word is ‘fake’.

Complete answer:
 The given word can be used in a sentence in the following way:
For example, in the sentence ‘The market we went to was famous for its intricate ersatz goods’, the word ‘ersatz’ is used as an adjective for the noun ‘goods’. This word is used to tell the reader everything about said goods, that they are replicas of other goods, and are usually of bad quality. This word also helps to illustrate the fact that the market specializes in such goods.

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

a) inferior - The word ‘inferior’ refers to ‘lower in rank, status, or quality'. This word is close in meaning to the given word, but it doesn’t mean exactly the same thing. It is not the synonym of the word ‘ersatz’. This is not the required answer. So, this is an incorrect option.
b) imitation - The word ‘imitation’ refers to ‘a thing intended to simulate or copy something else'. This word has the exact same meaning as the given word. It is the synonym of the word ‘ersatz’. This is the required synonym. So, this is the correct option.
c) genuine - The word ‘genuine’ refers to ‘truly what something is said to be; authentic'. This word has a very different meaning to the given word. This is not the synonym of the word ‘ersatz’. This is not the required answer. So, this is an incorrect option.
d) original - The word ‘original’ refers to ‘present or existing from the beginning; first or earliest’. This word also has a completely different meaning to the given word. It is not the synonym of the word ‘ersatz’. This is not the required answer. So, this is an incorrect option.

Note:
Try to understand the context of the given word by using it in a sentence and look
through the given options. Differentiate between each of the options as they only have a
slight difference. Choose the most appropriate option i.e. the option that is closest in
meaning to the given word.