Question

Choose the option that best expresses the meaning of the given word- Instigate
a. Novice
b. Incite
c. Force
d. Effect

Answer 1

Hint: Instigate refers to provoke or urge someone to do something, especially something bad.

Complete answer:
We know the meaning and the origin of the word ‘instigate’.
Now, let’s look at its usage:
Example- The construction of the new highway will instigate major traffic jams during the evenings. Here, we can understand that the construction of the new highway will provoke or influence traffic jams during the rush hours.
Let’s examine the meaning of the given options to find the most suitable answer:
- Option a- ‘Novice’ refers to a trainee or a beginner in a job or a situation. Example- The minister’s son is a novice in political affairs. ‘Novice’ is different in meaning to instigate. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
- Option b- ‘Incite’ refers to persuade or trigger someone to act in a violent way or an unlawful manner. Example- They are planning to incite protests. ‘Incite’ is similar in meaning to instigate. Hence, it is the correct option.
- Option c- ‘Force’ refers to pressurising or compelling someone to do something. Example- The old woman forced the boy to carry her bags. ‘Force’ is different in meaning to instigate. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
- Option d- ‘Effect’ refers to the result or outcome of an action. Example- I could see the effects of dieting and exercising. ‘Effect’ is different in meaning to instigate. Hence, it is an incorrect option.

The correct answer is Option ‘b’.

Note: Do not get confused between the meanings of the different words. Use the elimination method to find the most logical answer.