Question

Choose the word which best expresses the meaning of the italicized bold part of the sentence.
The prince fell in love with a comely young maiden

a) Elegant
b) Homely
c) Pretty
d) Delightful

Answer 1

Hint: Synonyms are used to replace certain words and not change the meaning of the sentence while at it. It is quite useful when writing essays or paragraphs focussing on a single topic. The use of synonyms allows the user to have complete command of the whole circle around the word used. Here, the italicized word, comely should be replaced by such a word that the meaning of the sentence does not change. Comely refers to something or someone who is attractive or pleasing to be with.

Complete answer:
Considering the options that we have in hand,
Elegant: this word defines anything or anyone that is superior, refined and excellent. In the scientific field, elegant refers to something that is perfect and concise as per the requirements.
Eg: The blue dress is elegant, while the yellow one is pretty.

Homely: Refers to plain, unattractive, and that which is not elegant.
Eg: The youngest is quite homely, as compared to the elder ones, who are quite outgoing.

Pretty: This word refers to attractive or really pleasing behavior, person or thing.
Eg: The sunset and sunrise at Kanyakumari are so pretty that you can barely take your eyes off of it.

Delightful: That which is pleasing or eases one’s mind, providing a sense of joy and happiness is referred to as delightful.
Eg: The new dish is simply delightful, giving a pleasant and clean taste along with its aromatic scent.

Hence, Option c pretty is the answer which is apt for the sentence given.

Note: One can confuse the words “delightful” and “pretty” to replace “comely”, but the delightful is not something or someone that is attractive; it is often pleasing to the mind, while pretty refers to anything that pulls or attracts the person towards it.