Question

Find the synonym of the underlined word.
Millions of America were down and out in the ’30s.
a- Illiterate
b- Imprudent
c- Divided
d- Impoverished
e- Querulous

Answer 1

Hint: Synonyms are words that are completely or partially the same in meaning as another word. For example- Collection is a synonym for compilation. ‘Down and out’ refers to being destitute or poverty-stricken.

Complete answer:
 The phrase, ‘down and out’ has been derived from the sport, boxing in the 19th century.
We know the meaning and the origin of the phrase, ‘down and out’. Now, let’s look at its usage-
For example- He had written a story about the people who were down and out in London during industrialization. Here, we can conclude that X has written a story about the people who were struck with poverty during industrialization in London.
Let’s examine the given options-
Option a- ‘illiterate’ refers to someone uneducated or benighted. For example- He has been doing charity for illiterate people. ‘Illiterate’ is different in meaning to the given context. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Option b- ‘imprudent’ refers to someone careless or foolish. For example- He was called out by his mother for being an imprudent child. ‘Imprudent’ is different in meaning to the given context. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Option c- ‘divided’ refers to being branched or prorated. For example- He has divided his house into two parts. ‘Divided’ is different in meaning to the given context. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Option d- ‘impoverished’ refers to being destitute or poor. For example- She often donates food to her impoverished neighbours. ‘Impoverished’ is similar in meaning to the given context. Hence, it is the correct option.
Option e- ‘querulous’ refers to being bearish or hard to please. For example- The querulous girl didn’t like her gifts. ‘Querulous’ is different in meaning to the given context. Hence, it is an incorrect option. The correct answer is Option ‘d’.

Note:
 Some other synonyms of ‘down and out’ are; indigent, insolvent, penniless, etc while some antonyms of ‘down and out’ are; wealthy, rich, well-heeled, etc.