Question

Choose the option that best expresses the meaning of the italicized part of the sentence:
The prisoners of war were subjected to bestial atrocities.
A) Hardships
B) Punishments
C) Cruelties
D) Jobs

Answer 1

Hint:Synonyms are the words that have the same or similar meaning and to avoid repetition synonyms are used. For example: the synonym of beautiful is pretty and adorable.

Complete answer:
The meaning of atrocities is ‘an extremely wicked or cruel act, typically one involving physical violence or injury’. And we must find the correct answer from the options given whose meaning is the same as of atrocities.
Option A) Hardships - is an incorrect answer because the meaning of hardships is ‘severe suffering or privation or privation of poverty’ and this is not the synonym of atrocities because their meanings are not same. Thus, this is an incorrect answer.

Option B) Punishments - is an incorrect answer because the meaning of punishments is ‘the infliction or imposition of a penalty as retribution for an offence or punishing’ and this is not the synonym of atrocities because their meanings are not same. Thus, this is an incorrect answer.

Option C) Cruelties - is the correct answer because the meaning of cruelties is ‘cruel behaviour or attitudes’ and this is the synonym of the word cruelties and they can be used in place of each other because they have similar meaning. Thus, this is the correct answer.

Option D) Jobs - is an incorrect answer because the meaning of jobs is ‘a paid position of regular
employment or position’ and this is not the synonym of atrocities because their meanings are not same. Thus, this is an incorrect answer.

Hence, the correct answer is Option ‘C’.

Note:Synonyms are the words that have the same or similar meaning i.e. synonyms of atrocities are cruelties, and antonyms are the words that are opposite in meaning and the antonym of atrocities is kindness or good behavior. Thus, Option C is the correct answer as the question is all about telling the same or similar meaning of the word atrocities and other options are wrong.