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Question

Difficulty: MediumFigurative Use of Language and Connotations

Read the sentence below carefully:

'Despite fierce criticism from opposition lawmakers, the finance minister insisted that the stringent austerity measure was a necessary evil to avert national bankruptcy.'

What is the figurative meaning of the expression necessary evil as used in the sentence?

  1. an undesirable or unpleasant action that must be accepted to achieve an essential objectiveAnswer
  2. B
    a strictly immoral act that is masked by government propaganda
  3. C
    an unlawful financial transaction executed under extreme economic pressure
  4. D
    a minor administrative error that carries no long-term economic consequences

Answer

The expression 'necessary evil' figuratively denotes an undesirable or unpleasant action that must be accepted to achieve an essential objective.
The phrase 'necessary evil' is an oxymoron used figuratively to describe something that is unpleasant, burdensome, or undesirable, but which must be tolerated or implemented because it is indispensable to achieving a critical goal or avoiding a greater disaster.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context and structure of the figurative expression
The phrase 'necessary evil' pairs two contrasting concepts: 'necessary' (indispensable/required) and 'evil' (unpleasant/harmful).
Recognizing the oxymoronic nature of the phrase helps determine its figurative function in context.
2
Evaluate how the phrase functions within the sentence context
The finance minister admits the austerity measure is harsh and unpopular, but argues it is required to prevent national bankruptcy.
Contextual analysis confirms that the measure is viewed as an unavoidable hardship taken to secure an essential positive outcome.

Key Concept

Oxymoron and Connotative Meaning in Context
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Figurative Use of Language and Connotations

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