Question

Find the synonym of the underlined word.
Martin Luther King, influenced by Mahatma Gandhi, made many adversaries in his nonviolent quest for equality.
A) friends
B) advances
C) improvements
D) atrocities
F) foes

Answer 1

Hint: Synonyms are the words that are related to each other and have similar meanings.

Complete answer:
Adversaries is the plural form of the noun, adversary. It means one’s rival or an enemy. Let us understand it’s use.
For example: He lost many career opportunities to his adversaries.
Let us analyse the given options to find out the synonym of adversaries.
A) Friends is the plural form of the noun, friend. It means a person with whom one shares mutual affection.
For example: Never forget your old friends for the new ones.
We observe that the meaning of it is not similar to the meaning of adversaries. Hence, we can say that option ‘a’ is not the correct answer.
B) Advances is the plural form of the noun, advance. It means to approach or to proceed.
For example: His advances towards the girl were faced with strong criticism.
We observe that the meaning of it is not similar to the meaning of adversaries. Hence, we can say that option ‘b’ is not the correct answer.
C) Improvements is the plural form of the noun, improvement. It means a positive change or development.
For example: There were remarkable improvements in the academic record of Sara.
We observe that the meaning of it is not similar to the meaning of adversaries. Hence, we can say that option ‘c’ is not the correct answer.
D) Atrocities is the plural form of the noun, atrocity. It means a very cruel or barbaric act.
For example: A lot of atrocities happened during the state riots.
We observe that the meaning of it is not similar to the meaning of adversaries. Hence, we can say that option ‘d’ is not the correct answer.
E) Foes is the plural form of the noun, foe. It means one’s rival or enemy.
For example: Foes are often hidden under the guise of a friend.
We observe that the meaning of it is similar to the meaning of adversaries. Hence, we can say that option ‘e’ is the correct answer.

Thus, the correct synonym of adversaries is option ‘e’ - foes.

Note: It is to be noted that the meaning of all the given options should be understood in order to correctly apply the method of elimination.