Question

Choose the option which best expresses the meaning of the italicised bold part of the sentence:
People who hold very unorthodox views are sometimes ostracised.
A. Hated
B. Shut out from society
C. Criticised
D. Applauded

Answer 1

Hint: The italicised bold part here is the word ‘ostracised’ which means to exclude from society, privileges, friendship. Example: He was ostracised by his peer group after the arrest of his father.
We will look for a word that has a similar meaning to the given word.

Complete step by step answer:
Let us analyse each option individually to know the correct answer.

Hated: The word hated is a strong feeling or emotion against someone or something. It means to dislike something intensely. Example: I hated Physics. This word doesn’t express the meaning of the given word precisely. Therefore, this is an incorrect option.
Shut out from society: The phrase ‘shut out from society’ means to boycott or ban someone from the society due to some offensive action taken by them. Example: He was shut out from the society after he was found guilty of the charges of involvement in the bomb blasts.
This word expresses the meaning of the given word, therefore, this is the correct option.
Criticised: The word criticised means to find faults, to judge the shortcomings of someone or something. Example: They criticised her dressing sense. This word doesn’t express the meaning of the given word. Therefore, this is an incorrect option.
Applauded: The word applauded means to give an approval of, to clap hands as an expression of appreciation. Example: Everyone applauded her performance. This word doesn’t express the meaning of the given word, therefore, this is an incorrect option.

So, the correct answer is “Option B”.

Note:
Do not confuse the correct answer with the hated or criticised as disliking something or disapproving something does not necessarily mean cutting someone from the society. It depends on the degree of its immorality. The word applauded here, is opposite in meaning to the word criticised. Therefore, they are antonyms of each other.