Question

Find the synonym of the underlined word.
Steven suffers from stage fright and he is easily intimidated by a large audience.
(a)inspired
(b)applauded
(c)frightened
(d)expelled
(e)prevailed

Answer 1

Hint: The word ‘intimidated’ refers to ‘scare or overawe (someone), especially in order to make them do what one wants'. This word is usually used as a verb. The noun form of this verb is ‘intimidation’. Another synonym of this word is ‘terrified’.

Complete answer:A synonym is a word or phrase that means exactly or nearly the same as another word or phrase in the same language, for example, ‘shut’ is a synonym of ‘close’, as they convey the same exact meaning as each other. Now, we know the meaning and usage of the given word. Let’s look at the given options:
(a)inspired - The word ‘inspired’ refers to ‘of extraordinary quality as if arising from some external creative impulse'. This word has a very different meaning to the given word. This is not the synonym of the word ‘intimidated’. This is not the required answer. So, this is an incorrect option.
(b)applauded - The word ‘applauded’ refers to ‘showed approval or praise by clapping'. This word has a very different meaning to the given word. This is not the synonym of the word ‘intimidated’. This is not the required answer. So, this is an incorrect option.
(c)frightened - The word ‘frightened’ refers to ‘afraid or anxious'. This word has the exact same meaning as the given word. This is the synonym of the word ‘intimidated’. This is the required answer. So, this is the correct option.
(d)expelled - The word ‘expelled’ refers to ‘forced (someone) to leave a place'. This word has a very different meaning to the given word. This is not the synonym of the word ‘intimidated’. This is not the required answer. So, this is an incorrect option.
(e)prevailed - The word ‘prevailed’ refers to ‘proved more powerful or superior'. This word has a very different meaning to the given word. This is not the synonym of the word ‘intimidated’. This is not the required answer. So, this is an incorrect option.

Note:Try to understand the exact meaning of the given word. This will help you to find the exact synonym. Look through the given options and then, choose the option that is the closest in meaning to the given word.