Question

Find the synonym of the underlined word.
A progressive tax applies greater tax rates to the larger incomes than the smaller one.
A. Forecasts
B. Wastes
C. Devotes
D. Employs
E. Involves.

Answer 1

Hint: In this question we need to look for the synonym of the given word ‘applies’. Let's understand first whatsynonym means – Two words with a nearly common meaning or same meaning words are called synonyms.

Complete answer:
The word Applies is used for 3rd person singular, the base form of this word is apply which means: to concern or involve somebody/something.
Now let’s analyze and examine the given options above:
> Forecast: The word forecasts are used for 3rd person singular, the base form of this word is forecast which means: to say (with the help of information) what will probably happen in the future. This word is neither correct nor relevant to the given word.
Synonyms: predict, foretell etc.
Example: The government did not forecast the sudden rise in inflation.
> Wastes: The word waste is used for 3rd person singular, the base form of this word is waste which means: use or spend something in a careless way or for something that is not necessary. This word is neither correct nor relevant to the given word.
Synonyms: misspend, misuse etc.
Example: He wasted his time at university because he didn’t work hard.
> Devotes: The word devotes is used for 3rd person singular, the base form of this word is devote which means: give a lot of time, energy, etc. to somebody/something. This word is neither correct nor relevant to the given word.
Synonyms: allocate, assign etc.
Example: She gave up work to devote herself full-time to her music.
> Employs: The word employs is used for 3rd person singular, the base form of this word is employ which means: to pay somebody to work for you. This word is neither correct nor relevant to the given word.
Synonyms: hire, recruit, engage etc.
Example: He is employed as a lorry driver.
> Involves: The word involved is used for 3rd person singular, the base form of this word is involved which means: to make something necessary. Synonyms: require, demand, apply etc.
Example: The job involves a lot of travelling.

The option (E) is an absolutely appropriate word as a synonym of the given word applies.

Note: Knowing actual meaning is necessary of the given question for choosing an appropriate answer. Identify the meaning of the word and evaluate whether it has a positive negative or neutral connotation.