Question

Choose the option which best expresses the meaning of the given word :
TYRANNY
a. Misrule
b. Power
c. Madness
d. Cruelty

Answer 1

Hint: The word “tyranny” usually means cruel and oppressive power exerted by the government. For example, “Under the tyranny of Adolf Hitler, the Germans tried to escape from the country”.

Complete answer:
Let us look at what each option means.
Option a: “Misrule” means to rule unfairly and disrupt the peace and quality of living. So this totally means something else. Tyranny does not mean that the government is imposing wrong rules or taxes on its people. Misrule means just that. For example, “The Shaw’s misrule was mocked by the neighbouring nations.”
Option b: “Power” means strength or capacity to do something. It can also mean electric current or force to drive a machine or vehicle. So, it does not have to do with administration only. For example, “The power generated by one strike of lightning, is enough to light up an entire country.”
Option c: “Madness” means craziness or doing foolish things unexpectedly. It can also mean anger. For example, “Her madness made people avoid her.”
Option d: “Cruelty” means cruel behaviour or action – to inflict pain or bring sadness to others. For example, “Cruelty towards animals is a punishable offence.” In the sentence given in the question, this word “cruelty” is very much similar to “tyranny”. So, this is the perfect answer.
Thus, the correct answer is option d.

Note: Meaning of words might seem to be similar to each other. So try to find out the subtle differences in the meanings. It is helpful to have a good vocabulary so that the correct meaning of every word is known.