Question

Find the synonym of the underlined word.
It is a pity that we often forget the invaluable adage that a soft response frequently turns away wrath.
a. Pleasant
b. Loud
c. Impolite
d. Angry
e. Odious

Answer 1

Hint: If a word is said to be a synonym of another word, it is called a synonym of that word. Synonyms can be a word or a phrase. They help us to prevent using the same words repeatedly. Some examples of synonyms are shut-close, scream-shout, etc.

Complete answer:
Let us look at the word ‘soft’ in the given sentence. The word soft has been used in relation to responses. This means that the responses are polite, gentle or pleasant.
Therefore, the correct option is an option a, pleasant.
Thus, the given sentence means that it is a sad affair that we often forget the invaluable proverb that a pleasant response frequently turns away wrath.
Option b means to be very noisy. For example, my neighbors are very loud even at 3 in the night. Thus, it is a wrong answer.
Option c, impolite, means to be disrespectful. Impolite students are punished frequently by the teachers. It is the opposite of the word ‘soft’. Thus, it is an incorrect option.
Option d means to be annoyed. If I am angry with you for breaking the vase, it means I am very annoyed with you and will shout at you or scold you. It is not the correct option.
Option e is odious. Someone who is odious is known to be so unpleasant that he is hated by everyone. For example, my classmate was odious because he spread false rumors about everyone.

Note: As we know, the primary meaning of soft is something that can easily be squeezed or bent. But that is not the appropriate meaning here because responses cannot be bent. Therefore, the sentence given needs to be read carefully to find out in what context we have to use the given word. Similarly, all the options need to be read carefully too.