Question

Select the word or group of words that is most similar in meaning to the word in capital letter.
OBVIATE
A) Delaying the solution of a problem
B) To remove a difficulty
C) Make obstruction
D) Supersede

Answer 1

Hint: Synonym is a word or phrase that means exactly or nearly the same in meaning. For example: shut is the synonym of close.

Complete step by step answer:
We have to find the meaning of obviate and the meaning of words that are given in the options. And both the words should have the same meaning or the exact sense.
Option A) Delaying the solution of a problem – is an incorrect answer because the meaning of ‘delaying the solution of a problem’ is instead of finding the solution we keep on delaying it and this is not the meaning of obviate. Thus, this is an incorrect answer because the meaning of the words ‘delaying the solution of a problem’ and ‘obviate’ does not match.
Option B) To remove a difficulty - is the correct answer because the meaning of both the words are the same in meaning. As the meaning of to remove a difficulty is the exact meaning of obviate and they can be used in place of each other. Thus, ‘to remove a difficulty’ can replace the word obviate meaningfully. Thus, this is the correct answer.
Option C) Make obstruction - is an incorrect answer because the meaning of ‘make obstruction’ is ‘something that obstructs, blocks or closes up’ and this is not the meaning of obviate. Thus, this is an incorrect answer because the meaning of the words ‘make obstruction’ and ‘obviate’ does not match.
Option D) Supersede - is an incorrect answer because the meaning of ‘supersede’ is ‘place or take the place of’ and this is not the meaning of obviate. Thus, this is an incorrect answer because the meaning of the words ‘supersede’ and ‘obviate’ does not match.

So, the correct answer is “Option B”.

Note:
Synonyms are words that have similar meaning. Synonyms are used when you do not want to repeat the same word again and again. Like in this question obviate can be replaced by the word to remove a difficulty because they have the same meaning. Antonyms are words that have the opposite meaning of the word. However, the antonym of obviate is ‘support or promote’. Thus, option B is the most appropriate answer.