Question

Find the synonym of the underlined word:

Backed by the full faith and credit of the French government, savings bonds are considered to be secure investments.

a)dependable
b)unreliable
c)affluent
d)hazardous
e)tricky

Answer 1

Hint: Secure in this sentence means something which can be relied upon. For example, when we say he has a secure future, we mean he has a future that can be relied upon. Since we have to find the synonym of the word, we have to find the word which means similar to the word ‘secure’ or ‘reliable’.

Complete step-by-step answer:

Let us get the answer through an explanation of each point.
Option a: Something dependable can be relied upon. You can trust a dependable person to complete his work on time. Anything which is secure is dependable. Therefore, this option is the correct answer.
Option b: Unreliable is the opposite of the meaning of the word secure. Thus, it is an antonym and not a synonym. When a person cannot be relied on or depended upon, he is said to be unreliable.
Option c: To be affluent in something is to be very good at it. For example, many people are affluent in spoken English. Affluence makes a person dependable but it is not an appropriate synonym. Therefore, it is the wrong answer.
Option d: Hazardous means dangerous. It can also refer to something which is toxic. For example, factories and industries release many hazardous wastes that pollute and ruin the environment. It has no relation to the given word so it is an incorrect option.
Option e: Tricky means something which is puzzling. Many math problems are tricky. They are the ones that are difficult to solve since they puzzle the students. This is the wrong answer.

Note: It is possible to be confused between affluent and secure since affluent people are dependable. However, if the literal meaning is taken, it can be seen that just being affluent is not enough. Therefore, they are not synonyms.