Question

Identify the synonym of the underlined word:
He led an ascetic life but his wife had her ways.
A. Disciplined
B. Austere
C. Artificial
D. Pompous

Answer 1

Hint: Synonyms are the words that have the same meanings. Ascetic means simple and self-sacrificing. It is an adjective.

Complete Solution:
From the hint given to us, we know that synonyms are the words that mean the same. They also belong to the same part of speech. We also know the meaning of ascetic from the hint given. It is an adjective which means that it is used to describe a noun. Thus, we can infer that the synonym of ascetic must have the same meaning and must be an adjective.
Disciplined means to be controlled in a positive manner or being well behaved. It is an adjective. We observe that it does not mean the same as an ascetic. Hence, option A is not the correct answer.
Austere means simple and self-sacrificing. It is an adjective. We observe that it means the same as ascetic and it also belongs to the same part of speech, that is, adjective. Hence, option B is possibly the correct answer.
Artificial means man-made or unreal. It is an adjective. We observe that it does not mean the same as an ascetic. Hence, option C is not the correct answer.
Pompous means arrogant or very high headed. It is an adjective. We observe that it does not mean the same as an ascetic. Hence, option D is not the correct answer.

Hence, we can conclude that option B, austere is the correct answer.

Note: Ascetic is also used as a noun, where it means a person follows the qualities of self-discipline and self-sacrifice.