Question

Find the synonym of the underlined word.
Carol, who used to be quite submissive, suddenly turned rebellious for reasons unknown to us.
a. Sullen
b. Conscientious
c. Permissive
d. Timid
e. Disobedient

Answer 1

Hint: A synonym refers to a word that is similar in meaning to another word.

Complete answer:

 Submissive means to be meekly obedient or passive. A person who is submissive is compliant to the wishes and desires of other people. This word originated in the English language around the late sixteenth century.

Let’s look at its usage:
Example- The submissive slave carried out every order that her master asked of her. Here, we can see that the slave was meekly obedient and executed her duties accordingly.
Let’s examine the given options:
a. Sullen – This option means to be bad-tempered and sulky. It is different in meaning to submissive. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
b. Conscientious- This option means to perform one’s duties thoroughly. It is different in meaning to submissive. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
c. Permissive- This option means great freedom of behavior. It is different in meaning to submissive. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
d. Timid- This option means showing a lack of courage or confidence. It is similar in meaning to submissive. Hence, it is the correct option.
e. Disobedient - This option means to refuse to obey rules. It is different in meaning to submissive. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
The correct answer is option ‘d’.

Note: Students may select permissive as it has the same suffix as submissive. However, timid means to lack boldness whereas permissive means freedom from restrictions.