Question

Find the synonym of the underlined word.
Taoist principles are present in Lao Tzu, a collection of essays from several unknown authors.
a- Assortment
b- Method
c- Entity
d- Conspiracy
e- Editorial

Answer 1

Hint: A synonym refers to a word that is closest in meaning to another word. For example- Wounded is a synonym for injured. ‘Collection’ refers to the compilation or assemblage of things or people at the same place.

Complete answer:
The word, ‘collection’ has been derived from the Latin word- Colligere, which means gather together.
We know the meaning and the origin of the word, ‘collection’. Now, let’s look at its usage-
For example- He gifted me with a collection of all my favourite books. Here, we can understand that X gifted Y, a compilation or assortment of Y’s favourite books.
Let’s examine the given options-
Option a- ‘assortment’ refers to a variety or mixture of people or things. For example- His house is filled with an assortment of designer accessories. ‘Assortment’ is similar in meaning to the given context. Hence, it is the correct option.
Option b- ‘method’ refers to the procedure or technique of doing something. For example- He asked me to try a different method to open the app. ‘Method’ is different in meaning to the given context. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Option c- ‘entity’ refers to an organization or an establishment. For example- The state and religion have been joined in a single entity. ‘Entity’ is different in meaning to the given context. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Option d- ‘conspiracy’ refers to a scheme or plot to do something illegal. For example- He is planning a conspiracy to destroy his neighbours. ‘Conspiracy’ is different in meaning to the given context. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Option e- ‘editorial’ refers to the editor’s opinion or views regarding something. For example- He wrote about the media in his editorial article. ‘Editorial’ is different in meaning to the given context. Hence, it is an incorrect option. The correct answer is Option ‘a’.

Note:
 Some other synonyms of ‘collection’ are; compilation, selection, assemblage, etc while some antonyms of ‘collection’ are; separation, individual, division, etc.