Question

Choose the word which is most nearly the same in meaning as the word given below-
COMMISERATE
a- Sympathise
b- Placate
c- Commemorate
d- Consecrate

Answer 1

Hint: Synonyms are those words that are nearest in meaning to another word. For example, distinct is a synonym for clear. ‘Commiserate’ refers to expressing sympathy or feeling sorry for someone or something.

Complete answer:
The word, ‘commiserate’ has been derived from the Latin word- Miser, which means wretched.
We know the meaning and the origin of the word, ‘commiserate’. Now, let’s look at its usage:
For example- My family went over to commiserate with our grandmother on her pet dog’s death. Here, we can conclude that X’s family went over to their grandmother’s house because they were feeling sorry or sympathetic over her pet dog’s death.
Let’s examine the given options:
Option a- ‘Sympathise’ refers to consoling or comforting someone. Example- Mother sympathized with her friend’s loss. ‘Sympathize’ is similar in meaning to ‘commiserate’. Hence, it is the correct option.
Option b- ‘Placate’ refers to calming or pacifying someone. Example- The teacher tried to placate the angry student. ‘Placate’ is different in meaning to ‘commiserate’. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Option c- ‘Commemorate’ refers to celebrating or acknowledging something or someone. For example- The ministers organized a parade to commemorate the death of their leader. ‘Commemorate’ is different in meaning to ‘commiserate’. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Option d- ‘Consecrate’ refers to declaring someone as holy or sacred. Example- Our holy church was consecrated in the ’80s. ‘Consecrate’ is different in meaning to ‘commiserate’. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
So, the correct answer is “Option a”.

Note:
Some other synonyms of ‘commiserate’ are; console, pity, compassionate, etc. While some antonyms of ‘commiserate’ are; turn away, indifferent, etc.