Question

Find the synonym of the underlined word.
It is believed that the rituals bedtime stories can stimulate a child’s behavior.
A. Rite
B. Ceremony
C. Formality
D. Custom
E. Recital.

Answer 1

Hint: In this question we need to look for the synonym of the given word ‘rituals’ . Let's first understand what synonyms mean – Two words with a nearly common meaning or same meaning words are called synonyms.

Complete answer:
The word ritual means: a ritual is a religious service or other ceremony which involves a series of actions performed in a fixed order.
Now let’s analyze and examine the given options above:
Ceremony: this word means: a formal religious or public occasion, especially one celebrating a particular event, achievement, or anniversary. The difference between ritual and ceremony is that a repeated set of actions while a ceremony is a ritual with religious significance. So this option is not an accurate synonym of the given word.
Synonyms: pomp, protocol etc.
Example: "the winners were presented with their prizes at a special ceremony".
Formality: the rigid observance of convention or etiquette. This word is totally different from the given word so it’s not an appropriate option.
Synonyms: decorum, etiquette etc.
Example: "the formality of life in an English public school".
Custom: a traditional and widely accepted way of behaving or doing something that is specific to a particular society, place, or time.This word means a manner which should be followed which doesn’t match with the given word.
Synonyms: tradition, practice etc.
Example: "the old English custom of dancing round the maypole".
Recital: a performance of a programmer of music by a soloist or small group. This word is an inappropriate option as it has a totally different meaning.
Synonyms: concert, performance etc.
Example: I gave my first recital at the Royal College.
Rite: this word means: a repeated set of ritual. The option (A) is an absolutely appropriate option for the given word as they are quite similar.
Synonyms: ritual, ceremony etc.
Example: The rite of communion.

So, the correct answer is option A.

Note: Knowing actual meaning is necessary of the given question and study of new vocabulary is required. Identify the meaning of the word and evaluate whether it has a positive negative or neutral connotation.