Question

Difficulty: Very hardSynonyms and Words Nearest in Meaning

Read the sentence below carefully and choose the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word.

The governor emphasized that corrupt practices in the public sector are inimical to sustainable economic development.

  1. detrimentalAnswer
  2. B
    favorable
  3. C
    intrinsic
  4. D
    peripheral

Answer

detrimental
The word 'inimical' means harmful, adverse, or hostile to something. In the sentence, corrupt practices hinder and damage economic development, making 'detrimental' the exact synonym.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the underlined word and context.
The target word is 'inimical', used to describe how corrupt practices relate to 'sustainable economic development'.
Contextual clues indicate a negative, damaging relationship between corruption and economic growth.
2
Define 'inimical' precisely.
'Inimical' derives from Latin origins relating to enemy/hostile forces and means tending to obstruct, harm, or injure.
Understanding the formal definition helps isolate the core attribute of causing harm.
3
Evaluate the options for contextual fit.
'Detrimental' means tending to cause harm or damage, perfectly aligning with 'inimical'.
Excluding antonyms like 'favorable' and unrelated adjectives like 'intrinsic' or 'peripheral' yields the correct synonym.

Key Concept

Contextual Synonyms in Formal Register
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