Question

Find the synonym of the underlined word.
George Ravencroft’s invention of lead crystal in the late 17th century was crucial to the development of optical lenses.
a. Essential to
b. Prior to
c. Dependent on
d. Instructive for
e. Propitious for

Answer 1

Hint: Synonyms are words that have the same meaning as a given word. The meaning of crucial is decisive or critical especially in the achievement of a particular thing.

Complete answer:

Generally, words in the English language have many synonyms bearing similar meanings. A thesaurus is a book that contains all these synonyms in one place.

Let us look at an example of a synonym. Apprehend means to arrest a person for a crime. Capture is another word that can be used to describe this same meaning in one word.

In our question, we have been given the words ‘crucial to’. Crucial is derived from the Latin word ‘crux’.
Let us examine the options given to us.
Option ‘a’ essential means to be absolutely necessary. It is similar in meaning to crucial to. Therefore, it is the correct answer.
Option ‘b’ prior to means before. It isn’t similar in meaning to crucial to. Therefore, it is an incorrect answer.
Option ‘c’ dependent on means contingent on or determined by. It isn’t similar in meaning to crucial to. Therefore, it is an incorrect answer.
Option ‘d’ instructive for means useful and informative. It isn’t similar in meaning to crucial to. Therefore, it is an incorrect answer.
Option ‘e’ propitious for means likely to bring good results. It isn’t similar in meaning to crucial to. Therefore, it is an incorrect answer.
Option ‘a’ is the correct answer.

Note: Propitious for means favorable. Something that is favorable may be replaced by another favorable thing. However, the essential things cannot be replaced.