Question

Choose the word which best expresses the meaning of the italicized part of the sentence.
It is so gratifying to know that there are not many smallpox cases these days.
A. Calming
B. Surprising
C. Satisfying
D. Happy

Answer 1

Hint: Synonyms are the words that have the same or similar meaning and to avoid repetition synonyms are used. For example, the synonym of happiness is content and joyful.

Complete answer:
We must find the meaning of gratifying and the meaning of words that are given in the options. And both the words should have the same meaning or the exact sense.
Option A) Calming – This option is not correct because Calming means make someone tranquil and quiet. This word does not mean the same as the given word 'gratifying'. So, option A is incorrect.
Option B) Surprising - This option is not correct because surprising means making someone feel mild astonishment or shock'. This word does not mean the same as the given word 'gratifying'. So, option B is incorrect.
Option C) Satisfying - Satisfying' means 'giving fulfillment or pleasure'. This word means the same as the given italicized word. Hence option C is correct.
Option D) Happy – This option is not correct because ‘Happy' means feeling or showing pleasure or contentment'. 'Happy' is the 'feeling of pleasure', whereas 'gratifying' describes something 'that gives you pleasure'. Hence, Option D is incorrect.

Hence, the correct answer is option ‘C’.

Note:Synonyms are the words that have the same or similar meaning i.e. synonym of Gratifying is satisfying. So, the most appropriate answer is Option C. Antonyms are words with the opposite meaning. The antonym of gratifying is pleasureless. Thus, option C is the correct answer and other options are wrong.