CDS (II) 2017 Exam: English Practice Questions Synonyms – Set 02

The UPSC will conduct the CDS (II) Exam 2017 on 19 November 2017. For the benefit of aspirants, Jagran Josh is providing the following questions on synonyms. The answers along with explanations as given below will help the candidates in understanding the nature of the questions in the exam.

Directions for the following ten items:

Each item consists of a word in capital letters followed by four words or groups of words. Select the word or groups of words that is most similar in meaning to the word in capital letters.

1. She is a woman of sterling qualities.

(a) interesting
(b) valuable
(c) irritating
(d) exciting

Answer. B
Synonyms for sterling are excellent, valuable and splendid.

2. Although the boys in his class were naughty, he never resorted to corporal punishment.

(a) harsh
(b) physical
(c) unjust
(d) general

Answer. B
Corporal punishment means physical punishment, such as caning or flogging.

3. He wanted to mitigate his burdens.

(a) lessen
(b) increase
(c) postpone
(d) leave

Answer. A
Mitigate means making something less severe, serious, or painful.

CDS (II) 2017 Exam: GK Practice Questions – Defence 02

4. She adjusted quite well with her husband's idiosyncrasies.

(a) peculiar habits
(b) bad habits
(c) weaknesses
(d) stupid manners

Answer. A
Idiosyncrasy means a mode of behaviour or way of thought peculiar to an individual.

5. The Deputy Inspector General made a perfunctory inspection of the police station.

(a) thorough and complete
(b) usefulness
(c) done as a routine but without interest
(d) falsity

Answer. C
Perfunctory means which is carried out without real interest, feeling, or effort

6. The decision to drop the atom bomb on Hiroshima was a grave one.

(a) serious
(b) momentous
(c) instinctive
(d) impulsive

Answer. A
Synonyms for grave means serious, important, all-important, profound, significant, momentous, weighty, etc.

7. A scientist generally carries out his investigations empirically.

(a) intuitively
(b) verbally
(c) through written communication
(d) by observation and experiment

Answer. D
Empirical means something based on, concerned with, or verifiable by observation or experience rather than theory or pure logic.

CDS (II) 2017 Exam: English Practice Questions - Reading Comprehension Set 01

8. He is employed in an ordnance factory.

(a) orthodox
(b) arms and ammunition
(c) electrical and electronic
(d) ordinary and common

Answer. B
Synonyms for ordnance are - guns, cannon, artillery, weapons, arms, munitions and military supplies.

9. He is a sycophant who tries to win over politicians.

(a) a psychologist
(b) an opportunist
(c) an unscrupulous man
(d) a flatterer

Answer. D
A sycophant is a person who acts obsequiously towards someone important in order to gain advantage.

10. I cannot believe in the veracity of his statement.

(a) truth
(b) superficial
(c) sincerity
(d) intensive

Answer. A
Veracity means conformity to facts. It also denotes accuracy.

CDS (II) 2017 Exam: GK Practice Question – Indian Polity Set 01