Question

Choose the synonym of the word 'earnestness':
a. Quickness
b. Alertness
c. Tenderness
d. Seriousness

Answer 1

Hint: A synonym refers to a word that is similar in meaning to another word. Earnestness is the state of being sincere and intensely convincing.

Complete answer:

If someone is earnest, they are likely to be serious and solemn. This word is derived from the Old English word ‘eornoste’.
Let’s look at its usage:
Example- The earnestness of the student’s situation caused the teacher to revoke his suspension. Here, we can see that the seriousness of the student’s situation caused the teacher to revoke his suspension.
Let’s examine the given options:
a. Quickness – This option means the quality of moving fast or doing something in a short time. This is a distractor option as it is different in meaning to earnestness. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
b. Alertness- This option means the quality of being alert. This is a distractor option as it is different in meaning to earnestness. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
c. Tenderness- This option means the state of being gentle and kind. This is a distractor option as it is different in meaning to earnestness. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
d. Seriousness- This option means the quality or state of being serious. It is similar in meaning to earnestness. Hence, it is the correct option.
So, the correct answer is “Option d”.

Note: Students should know the meanings of all the options that could constitute the correct answer. Seriousness means the state of being solemn whereas tenderness means the state of being gentle.