Question

Find the synonym of the underlined word.
Since 1970's, all governments’ efforts to curb inflation in Turkey have been unsuccessful.
a. Resist
b. Control
c. Sustain
d. Induce
e. Reverse

Answer 1

Hint: A synonym refers to a word that is similar in meaning to another word.

Complete answer:

 Curb means a check or restraint on something. When something is curbed, it is constrained. This word originated in the English language around the mid-seventeenth century i.e. in the 1650s.

Let’s look at its usage:
Example- The local council tried to curb destruction to life and property by trimming those trees that were likely to be uprooted during a storm. Here, we can see that the council tried to maintain a check on trees that were likely to fall during the monsoons.

Let’s examine the given options:
a. Resist – This option means to withstand the action or effect of. It is different in meaning to curb. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
b. Control- This option means to limit the level or intensity of a particular thing. It is similar in meaning to curb. Hence, it is the correct option.
c. Sustain- This option means to continue for an extended period. It is different in meaning to curb. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
d. Induce- This option means to give rise to something. It is different in meaning to curb. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
e. Reverse - This option means to move backwards. It is different in meaning to curb. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
The correct answer is option ‘b’.

Note: Control means to maintain sway over a particular thing whereas resist is to exert force against something.