Question

The word 'brusquely' (line 22) most nearly means:

a) quickly
b) gently
c) nonchalantly
d) abruptly
e) callously

Answer 1

Hint: Synonyms are words or phrases that mean exactly or nearly the same as another word or phrase. Two words that can be interchanged in a context are said to be synonymous relative to that context. For example- talk and say.

Complete answer:

In the given question, the word ‘brusquely’ refers to something or someone marked by rude or peremptory shortness.
Let us analyze the options given to us in this question:
Option (a.), 'quickly', refers to doing something with speed.
Therefore, option (a.) is incorrect as its meaning is not synonymous to that of the given word ‘brusquely’.

Option (b.), ‘gently', refers to doing something with little weight or force.
Therefore, option (b.) is incorrect as its meaning is not synonymous to that of the given word ‘brusquely’.

Option (c.), ‘nonchalantly', refers to someone in a composed and unconcerned manner.
Therefore, option (c.) is incorrect as its meaning is not synonymous to that of the given word ‘brusquely’.

Option (d.), ‘abruptly', refers to quickly and without warning.
So, the correct answer is “Option d”. as its meaning is synonymous to that of the given word ‘brusquely’.

Option (e.), ‘callously', refers to (unfeelingly) in a callous way.
Therefore, option (e.) is incorrect as it is not synonymous to the given word ‘brusquely’.

Note: If you don’t know the definition of the given word and have only used it in some given context previously, then use the given word in a sentence. Substitute the given word with each word in the options and choose the word which does not conflict with the context provided by the given word.