Question

Choose the word which is closest in meaning to the italicized word in the sentence:
The workers struck work asking for interim relief.
a. Immediate
b. Extra
c. Urgent
d. Provisional

Answer 1

Hint: Interim means for an intervening/present period. Interim can be a noun, an adjective, or an adverb depending on how it is used in the question. In this question, interim is used as an adjective.

Complete solution: Option a ‘immediate’ means occurring at once; instantly. The workers, according to the sentence, are not asking for immediate relief. So, the option is incorrect as it doesn’t match the meaning of the given word.
Option b ‘Extra’ means in addition to something. The word ‘Extra’ has no coherent meaning in the given sentence and hence is incorrect.
Option c ‘Urgent’ means something of great importance or significance. The workers do not seem to be asking for urgent relief. The word ‘Urgent’, on the other hand, does not match with the meaning of ‘Interim’. So, this option is not suitable and is incorrect.
Option d ‘Provisional’ means something to be arranged for a present or existing period which may be changed later. The word satisfies the meaning of the sentence and also matches the meaning of the given word. Thus, this option is correct.

Note: The word similar in meaning should satisfy the motive of the sentence too.