Question

Find the synonym of the underlined word.
The new tax law is explicit; there can be no doubt that type of computers is tax-exempt.
a) definite
b) deficient
c) vague
d) imprecise
e) unfair

Answer 1

Hint: The word ‘explicit’ refers to ‘stated clearly and in detail, leaving no room for confusion or doubt'. This word is usually used as an adjective and the adverb form of the given word ‘explicitly’. Another synonym of this word can be ‘clear’.

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.
The word in the given sentence is used in a specific context. This means that the word that is underlined is a verb that describes the new tax law. So, the sentence is trying to convey the fact that the new tax law is very clear in terms of its rules i.e. even concerning certain types of computers being exempt.

Now, we know the meaning and usage of the given word. Let’s look at the given options-

a) definite - The word ‘definite’ refers to ‘clearly stated or decided; not vague or doubtful’. This word has the exact same meaning as the given word. This is the synonym of ‘explicit’. This is the required answer. So, this is the correct option.
b) deficient - The word ‘deficient’ refers to ‘not having enough of a specified quality or ingredient'. This word has a very different meaning to the given word. This is not the synonym of the given word. This is not the required answer. So, this is an incorrect option.
c) vague - The word ‘vague’ refers to ‘of uncertain, indefinite, or unclear character or meaning'. This word has a very different meaning to the given word. This is not the synonym of the given word. This is not the required answer. So, this is an incorrect option.
d) imprecise - The word ‘imprecise’ refers to ‘lacking exactness and accuracy of expression or detail'. This word has a very different meaning to the given word. This is not the synonym of the given word. This is not the required answer. So, this is an incorrect option.
e) unfair - The word ‘unfair’ refers to ‘not based on or behaving according to the principles of equality and justice'. This word has a very different meaning to the given word. This is not the synonym of the given word. This is not the required answer. So, this is an incorrect option.

Note:
Try to understand the context of the given word, and look through the given options. Differentiate between each of the options as they have a difference in meaning. Choose the most appropriate option i.e. the option that is closest in meaning to the given word.