Question

Choose the one which is nearest in meaning to-
TERSE
a) Local
b) Shrewd
c) Holy
d) Compact

Answer 1

Hint: The dictionary meaning of the word ‘terse' is ‘sparing in the use of words; abrupt'. For example A terse statement.

Complete answer:
 The given word ‘terse' is an adjective. It means to be effectively concise; brief and pithy, as language, abruptly concise; curt. For example: When Jessie is angry, she only gives terse responses. Here, we have to find out the synonym of the word ‘terse'.
Now, let us examine all the given options to find out the correct answer :
Option ‘a’ is Local. It is an adjective which means relating to a particular area or one's neighborhood. For example: Researching local history.
Option ‘b’ is Shrewd. It is an adjective which means having or showing sharp powers of judgment, astute. For example, She was shrewd enough.
Option ‘c’ is Holy. It is an adjective which means dedicated or consecrated to God or a religious purpose; sacred. For example The Holy Bible.
Option ‘d’ is Compact. It is an adjective which means closely and neatly packed together; dense. For example A compact cluster of houses.
As we have analyzed all the given options, we can easily figure out the correct answer. Here, the word nearest in meaning to the given word ‘terse’ is ‘compact’. Hence, option ‘d’ is the correct answer.

Note:
All the other options are plausible distractions. You must know the meaning of all the given options. Don’t confuse between ‘local’ and ‘compact'.