Question

Find the synonym of the underlined word.
Teaching provides the chief means of conveying knowledge from generation to generation.
a)Reviewing
b)Mastering
c)Passing on
d)Preserving
e)Speculating

Answer 1

Hint: A synonym refers to a word that is similar in meaning to another word and can be used as a substitute for the original (or given) word.

Complete answer:

In order to solve the above question and arrive at the correct solution, we first need to look into the meaning of conveying and the context in which it has been used in the above sentence.
So, what does conveying mean?
Conveying is the present participle form of the word ‘convey’ means to carry, bring, transfer, express, or take something from one place to another. For e.g. - she has been conveying knowledge to the students for many years.
The context for the use of the word in the above-given sentence is – that the ‘teacher provides the main means to transfer, carry, or pass knowledge from one generation to another’.
By this explanation the correct solution would be an option – c, i.e. passing on.
The other options are not correct, why? Well, we should look into their meaning to find out –
a)Reviewing means – to critically assess something with the intention of changing it if the necessity arises.
b)Mastering means – to gain control or overcome something or to acquire full/ complete knowledge or skill in a subject, technique, etc.
c)Passing on means – to transfer something forward to carry something from one place to another.
d)Preserving means – to maintain something in its original state.
e)Speculating means – to form a theory or conjecture about something without firm evidence.
As you can see only option ‘c’ has the appropriate meaning fitting the above sentence and none of the others form the sentence as it is.

Note: Keep in mind that you do not change the meaning of the sentence while changing the word. If you don’t change the meaning then you will have the appropriate synonym.