Question

Find the synonym of the underlined word.
Some people think that discussions of the dangers of cigarette smoking obscure the real issue of restricting smokers rights.
A. Clarify
B. Simplify
C. Mask
D. Explain
E. Expand

Answer 1

Hint:The underlined word in the given sentence is ‘obscure’. The word ‘obscure’ means to keep from being seen , to keep hidden, conceal, little known, not easily understood . Example: They obscured the truth for a long time. We will choose an option that will mean similar to the given word.

Complete answer:
Let us analyse each option individually to figure out the correct answer.

Clarify : The word ‘clarify’ means to clear doubts, to free from ambiguity or confusion. To purify, free from adulterated substances. Example: He clarified all his misinterpretations. This word doesn’t mean the same as the given word.

Simplify: The word ‘simplify’ means the process of making things easier or simpler , to free from complexities. Example: He simplified the solution further. This word doesn’t mean the same as the given word.

Mask: The word ‘mask’ means an object like a face shield used to hide a face, to conceal something, to keep something from being seen. Example: He masked his face to defy the cameras. This word means the same as the given word.

Explain : The word ‘explain’ means to make someone understand something, to give detailed information. Example: This teacher explains very nicely. This word doesn’t mean the same as the given word.

Expand: The word ‘expand’ means to widen, to spread, stretch out, to increase in size. Example: The university expanded its reach to foreign countries. This word doesn’t mean the same as the given word.

Hence, the correct answer is Option ‘C’.

Note:The words ‘clarify’ and ‘explain’ also share a similar meaning that is to make things understandable. Therefore, they are synonymous. Also, their meaning is contrary to the given word ‘obscure’. Therefore , they are its antonyms. Some more antonyms of the same word are unmask, reveal. Some synonyms of the same word are cover, blur, camouflage.
Example: The stranger was asked to reveal his covered face.