Question

Choose the one which is nearest in meaning to
ACRID
a)Dirty
b)Pungent
c)Unripe
d)Bitter

Answer 1

Hint: Acrid refers to something that is unpleasantly bitter or harsh in taste or smell. It can cause irritation to our eyes and nose.

Complete step by step answer:

The word acrid has been derived from the Latin word- Acer, which means pungent.
We know the meaning and the origin of the word acrid. Now, let’s look at its usage:
Example- The acrid smell of the decaying body made him vomit. Here, we can understand that X was disgusted by the pungent smell of the decaying body.
Let’s examine the given options-
Dirty- It refers to something that is messy and unclean. It is different in meaning to acrid. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Pungent- It refers to something that has a bitter or suffocating smell or taste. It is similar in meaning to acrid. Hence, it is the correct option.
Unripe- It refers to something that is undeveloped or half-grown. It is different in meaning to acrid. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Bitter- It refers to something that has a pungent or sour taste or smell. It is similar in meaning to acrid. Hence, it is the correct option.
The correct answers are Option ‘b’ and ‘d’.

Note: Both pungent and bitter refer to something that causes irritation and nausea with its taste or smell.