Question

Find the synonym of the underlined word:
Most businessmen are dubious about predictions of a speedy economic recovery in Turkey.

a) Assured
b) Enthusiastic
c) Happy
d) Doubtful
e) Worried

Answer 1

Hint: A synonym refers to a word that is completely or partially similar in meaning to another word. The adjective Dubious is given to someone who is hesitant or uncertain.

Complete answer:

Let’s look at the given options-
Option a ‘Assured’ means to be confident about something. The word doesn’t match the meaning of ‘Dubious’ and hence is not a suitable choice. So, this option is not the correct option.
Option b ‘Enthusiastic’ is an adjective given to a person who shows intense and eager excitement, interest, or approval. The word does not show any relation with the given word and hence is the incorrect option.
Option c ‘Happy’ means to be content and cheerful. The word is not in relation with the meaning of the given word. So, this option is also incorrect.
Option d ‘Doubtful’ means to have a feeling of uncertainty or fluctuation about something. This perfectly matches the meaning of the given word and can be used as a synonym and hence is the correct option.
Option e ‘Worried’ means to be anxious about a certain thing or event. This does not have any conformity with the meaning of the word given and hence is the incorrect option.
The correct answer is Option ‘d’.

Note: Keep in mind that synonyms are positive words. Some commonly used synonyms of ‘dubious’ are uncertain, unsure, unconfirmed, etc.