Question

Find the synonym of the underlined word.
Larry was so absorbed in his novel that he forgot about his diner cooking in the oven.
A. Engrossed
B. Obliged
C. Enlivened
D. Excelled
E. Devastated.

Answer 1

Hint: In this question we need to look for the synonym of the given word ‘absorbed. 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 Absorbed is the past participle of the word Absorb which means: take in or soak up (energy or a liquid or other substance) by chemical or physical action.
Let’s analyze and examine the given options.
Oblige: this word is the past participle of the word Oblige which means: make (someone) legally or morally bound to do something. This word is not a relevant word for the synonym of the given word.
Synonyms: require, compel, bind etc.
Example: "doctors are obliged by law to keep patients alive while there is a chance of recovery".
Enlivened: this word is the past participle of the word Enliven which means: make (something) more entertaining, interesting, or appealing. This word is not an appropriate word as a synonym of the given word because it has a totally different meaning.
Synonyms: improve, Brighten, enhance etc.
Example: "the wartime routine was enlivened by a series of concerts".
Excelled: this word is the past participle of the word excels which means: be exceptionally good at or proficient in an activity or subject. This is neither correct nor the relevant option as a synonym of the given word.
Synonyms: to shine, to be brilliant etc.
Example: "she excelled at landscape painting".
Devastated: this word is the past participle of the word devastates which means: destroy or ruin/ to cause (someone) severe and overwhelming shock or grief. This word means to ruin but the given word is totally different from this word and this is an inappropriate option.
Synonyms: Ruin, destroy etc.
Example: "the city was devastated by a huge earthquake".
Engrossed: this word is the past participle of the word engrossed which means: absorb all the attention or interest of.

Thus option (A) is an absolutely appropriate word as synonym of the given word.

Synonyms: absorb, hold, grip etc.
Example: "they seemed to be engrossed in conversation".

Note: The above-given information will help you know the synonym of the given word. For choosing the correct option knowing the actual meaning is necessary for which we must learn the synonymous words and practice them.
Try to identify the meaning of the word and evaluate whether it has a positive-negative or neutral connotation.