Question

Find the synonym of the underlined word.
Earth is just at the right distance from the sun to maintain the conditions for life to flourish.
A. Commence
B. Thrive
C. Flounder
D. Vegetate
E. Wither

Answer 1

Hint:The word 'Flourish' means to be strong and healthy; to develop in a successful way. It refers to growing luxuriantly.
It fits perfectly in the given sentence. Choose the most suitable option that makes complete sense with the sentence.

Complete answer:
Option A is not the appropriate answer. 'Commence' means to start or begin. This word is generally used while starting something fresh. 'Commence' won't make any sense in the sentence, if used. Therefore, Option A is wrong.

Option B is the correct answer. 'Thrive' signifies to grow or develop well. 'Thrive' is the right synonym of the underlined word 'Flourish'. Also, it fits perfectly in the sentence and matches well grammatically. Therefore, Option B is absolutely the correct.

Option C is the incorrect answer. 'Flounder' is used in case of a lot of problems and danger of failing completely. Hence, it is clear. This word doesn't match the requirement of the sentence. Hence, Option C is not the correct answer.

Option D is incorrect. 'Vegetate' in general has two meanings:
1. To live or spend a period of time in a dull, inactive, unchallenging way.
2. Grow; sprout. (of a plant or seed)
The second meaning does refer to growth but not how the sentence requires. Hence, Option D is also incorrect.

Option E is again an irrelevant answer. 'Wither' means to become weaker then disappear. This word makes zero sense with the sentence. It does not at all match the hint. Hence, Option E is wrong.

Hence the correct answer is option ‘B’.

Note::Synonym is a word or phrase that has the same meaning as another word or phrase in the same language.
Synonyms of flourish are -
Grow
Thrive
Prosper
Grow/do well
Develop
Burgeon
Increase
Multiply

Antonyms of flourish are:
die
wither
decline
moribund