Question

Choose the word which can be substituted for the given words/ sentence:
One who lends money at a high rate of interest
a) Solvent
b) Uxorious
c) Usurer
d) Shylock

Answer 1

Hint: An interest rate is the amount of interest due per period, as a proportion of the amount lent, deposited, or borrowed i.e. the principal sum.

Complete solution:
Here, we are looking for someone who asks for high-interest rates on behalf of lending. Now, let us look at the options given –
a)Solvent – means having assets in excess of liabilities or to be able to pay one’s debt.
b)Uxorious – means having/showing too much fondness for one’s wife.
c)Usurer – means a person who lends money at an unreasonably high rate of interest.
d)Shylock – means loan shark or a ruthless lender of money.
Clearly, from the explanation given above for the different options, we can conclude that the correct one is – option c

Note: There is a difference between one who is a ruthless lender (a shark) and someone who lends money at a high-interest rate. A ruthless lender is demanding and heartless, but someone asking for higher rates need not be demanding, the high rates may be due to other factors in play.