Question

Find the synonym of the underlined word.
Mabel feels confident about her grade on the test she has just taken.
a- Depressed
b- Sure
c- Ecstatic
d- Uncertain
e- Staunch

Answer 1

Hint: A synonym is a word that is fully or partly the same in meaning as another word. For example- Consecutive is a synonym for subsequent. ‘Confident’ refers to feeling certain or convinced about something or someone.

Complete answer:
 The word, ‘confident’ has been derived from the Latin word- Confidere, which means having full trust.
We know the meaning and the origin of the word, ‘confident’. Now, let’s look at its usage-
For example- The lawyers are confident of winning the case. Here, we can comprehend that the lawyers are certain or sure of winning the case.
Let’s decipher the meaning of the given options-
Option a- ‘Depressed’ refers to feeling burdened with sorrow or pain. For example- She has been depressed since the death of her grandmother. ‘Depressed’ is different in meaning to the given context. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Option b- ‘Sure’ refers to being certain or positive about something. For example- They are sure of getting full marks. ‘Sure’ is similar in meaning to the given context. Hence, it is the correct option.
Option c- ‘Ecstatic’ refers to feeling happy or delighted. For example- The ecstatic crowd cheered for the team. ‘Ecstatic’ is different in meaning to the given context. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Option d- ‘Uncertain’ refers to being unsure or doubtful of something. For example- I’m feeling uncertain about their plan. ‘Uncertain’ is opposite in meaning to the given context. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Option e- ‘Staunch’ refers to being loyal and faithful. For example- He is a staunch supporter of this political party. ‘Staunch’ is different in meaning to the given context. Hence, it is an incorrect option. The correct answer is Option ‘b’.

Note:
Some other synonyms of ‘confident’ are; sanguine, certain, hopeful, etc while some antonyms of ‘confident’ are; uncertain, doubtful, dubious, etc.