Question

Choose the option which best expresses the meaning of the given word-
DISPARITY
a) Injustice
b) Unlikeness
c) Partiality
d) Distortion

Answer 1

Hint: A synonym refers to a word that is closest in meaning to another word. Example- Arrange is a synonym of assemble. ‘Disparity’ refers to a situation or condition in which two or more items lack similarity or equality.

Complete answer:
The word ‘disparity’ has been derived from the Latin word- Partias, which means parity.
We know the meaning and the origin of the word ‘disparity’. Now, let’s look at its usage-
Example- The government has initiated new policies to reduce the economic disparities between the rich and the poor. Here, we can conclude that a government, ‘X’ has initiated policies to reduce economic inequality and differences between the rich and the poor.
Let’s decipher the meaning of the given options-
Option a- ‘Injustice’ refers to acts of corruption or inequity. Example- The young girl has been facing her mother-in-law’s injustices. ‘Injustice’ is different in meaning to disparity. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Option b- ‘Unlikeness’ refers to the condition of differences or contrast between two or more things. Example- The manager examined the unlikeness between the two companies. ‘Unlikeness’ is closest in meaning to disparity. Hence, it is the correct option.
Option c- ‘Partiality’ refers to the quality of being biased and favouring one person or thing. Example- The teacher was suspended for treating the students with partiality’. ‘Partiality’ is different in meaning to disparity. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Option d- ‘Distortion’ refers to the act of misinterpreting or misreporting something. Example- The actor sued the media for distortion of his personality. ‘Distortion’ is different in meaning to disparity. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
So, the correct answer is “Option b”.

Note:
Both unlikeness and disparity represent differences and inequalities between two or more things. Some commonly known synonyms of ‘disparity’ are inconsistency, inequality, variation, etc.