Question

Complete the following proverb:
Absence makes the heart grow _________.
a) ponder
b) fonder
c) corner
d) laughter

Answer 1

Hint: A proverb is a condensed but memorable saying embodying some important fact of experience that is taken as true by many people.

Complete answer:
In the given question, we have to find out which of the options includes a word that indicates increased fondness, affection, love.
Let us thus analyze the options given to us in this question -
Option (a.), 'ponder', refers to ‘reflect deeply on a subject’. Therefore, option (a.) is incorrect as it does not indicate increased fondness, affection, love.
Option (b.), ‘fonder', refers to ‘having or displaying increased warmth or affection; extravagantly or foolishly loving and indulgent’. Therefore, option (b.) is correct as it indicates increased fondness, affection, love.
Option (c.), ‘corner', refers to ‘gain control over; force a person or an animal into a position from which he cannot escape’.Therefore, option (c.) is incorrect as it does not indicate increased fondness, affection, love.
Option (d.), ‘laughter', refers to ‘the sound of laughing’. Therefore, option (d.) is incorrect as it does not indicate increased fondness, affection, love.

Note:
In this question, it will be helpful for the student to recall some uses of the proverb ‘absence makes the heart grow fonder’ - Would you believe that your absence has made my heart grow fonder of you? My mother always waits for dad to come back from his overseas trips, absence does make the heart grow fonder.