Question

Choose the word which best expresses the meaning of the italicized bold part of the sentence:
This was his maiden. performance on the stage and he did very well.
a) primary
b) first
c) opening
d) girlish

Answer 1

Hint: Synonyms are words or phrases that mean exactly or nearly the same as another word or phrase. For example- ‘sad’ and ‘depressed’.
 Two words that can be interchanged in a context are said to be synonymous relative to that context.

Complete answer:
In the given question, the word ‘maiden’ refers to something involving the first act of its kind.
Let us analyze the options given to us in this question:
Option (a.), 'primary', refers to something or someone of first rank or importance or value; direct and immediate rather than secondary.
Therefore, option (a.) is incorrect as its meaning is not synonymous with that of the given word ‘maiden’.

Option (b.), ‘first', refers to indicating the beginning unit in a series.
Therefore, option (b.) is incorrect as its meaning is not synonymous with that of the given word ‘maiden’.

Option (c.), ‘opening', refers to the first performance (as of a theatrical production).
Therefore, option (c.) is incorrect as its meaning is not synonymous with that of the given word ‘maiden’.

Option (d.), ‘girlish', refers to befitting or characteristic of a young girl.
Therefore, option (d.) is incorrect as its meaning is not synonymous with that of the given word ‘maiden’.

Note:
 If you don’t know the definition of the given word and have only used it in some given context previously, then use the given word in a sentence. Substitute the given word with each word in the options and choose the word which does not conflict with the context provided by the given word.