Question

Choose the one which is nearest in meaning to-
DECIMATE
a) Disseminate
b) Dissipate
c) Disfigure
d) Destroy

Answer 1

Hint: Decimate refers to killing, destroying, or removing a group of animals or people in a very large proportion.

Complete answer:
Synonyms refer to those words that are exactly or nearly the same in meaning to another word. Example- Big is the synonym of huge.
The word ‘decimate’ has been derived from the Latin word- Decimat, which refers to something that is taken as a tenth.
We know the meaning and the origin of the word ‘decimate’. Now, let’s look at its usage:
Example- The animals of the forest were decimated. Here, we can understand that the animals of the forest were removed or killed in a large proportion.
Let’s examine the given options:
Option a- ‘Disseminate’ refers to circulating or distributing something widely. Example- The teacher collected donations for the poor by disseminating information. ‘Disseminate’ is different in meaning to decimate. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Option b- ‘Dissipate’ refers to something that has disappeared or vanished. Example- The stepmother’s concern and care for her stepson had dissipated. ‘Dissipate’ is different in meaning to decimate. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Option c- ‘Disfigure’ refers to spoiling or damaging a place or a thing. Example- The smelly garbage disfigured the entire town. ‘Disfigure’ is different in meaning to decimate. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Option d- ‘Destroy’ refers to demolishing or putting an end to something. Example- The young boys destroyed the town’s board. ‘Destroy’ is similar in meaning to decimate. Hence, it is the correct option.
The correct answer is Option ‘d’.

Note: You can use the elimination method to find the most logical and suitable answer from the given options.