Question

Choose the one which is nearest in meaning to
BADGER
a. attempt
b. convince
c. pester
d. persuade

Answer 1

Hint: When you constantly ask someone to do something repeatedly to convince them to do what you want them to do, it is called badgering. The word badger is a verb.

Complete answer:
Let us look at the given options to find out which option means the closest to the given word badger.
Option a is attempt. To attempt means to try. Her first attempt at lawn tennis was not bad. This means that she played lawn tennis for the first time and as a first timer, she played pretty well. This meaning is not close to the meaning of badger. Thus, it is wrong.
Option b is convince. To convince means to be able to make someone do what you want them to do. However, the word badger does not mean that you have been able to convince the person. So, it is not the correct answer for “badger”.
Option c is pester. To pester means to constantly ask someone about the same thing in hope that they finally listen to what you are saying and give their consent.It is close to the meaning of badger which also means to constantly ask someone about the same thing. Thus, option c is the correct answer.
Option d is persuade. To persuade means the same as to convince someone- that they have said yes to what you want. It is the same as option b. It is the wrong answer.
Therefore, the correct option is option c, pester.

Note: It is very easy for students to get confused between the words pester, convince and persuade. Convince and persuade are similar in meaning. It is to be kept in mind that pestering does not always mean that you can convince the person because even after pestering/badgering a person, the person can say no to what you want. That means that you have not been able to convince the person.