In the following sentence, the blank must be filled with a suitable word. It does not suit you to cast ____________ on the character of such a pure woman.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: aspersions

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:

This question tests your knowledge of common English idiomatic expressions, particularly the phrase cast aspersions on someone character. The sentence warns the listener that it is inappropriate to make negative remarks about a pure woman. Your task is to choose the noun that completes the fixed expression cast ____________ on.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Sentence: It does not suit you to cast ____________ on the character of such a pure woman.
  • Options: praise, abuses, vituperations, aspersions.
  • The overall tone is disapproving of negative talk, suggesting that the missing word refers to criticism or unjust accusations.
  • We assume the exam expects recognition of the standard idiom cast aspersions on.


Concept / Approach:

In English, cast aspersions on is a set phrase meaning to make harmful, often unfair remarks about someone reputation or character. While abuses and vituperations relate to harsh language, they do not form this particular idiom. Praise, on the other hand, is positive and would contradict the idea that it does not suit you to cast something on her character.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Step 1: Consider the overall meaning: The speaker is saying that it is not appropriate for you to criticise or question her character. Step 2: Recognise the common collocation cast aspersions on someone character, which means to express doubts or negative judgments about them. Step 3: Check praise. Cast praise on is not standard usage, and praise is positive, not negative. Step 4: Check abuses. Although one can hurl abuses, the phrase cast abuses on is not idiomatic. Step 5: Check vituperations. This word means abusive language but is rarely used in the phrase cast vituperations on. Step 6: Check aspersions, which fits perfectly into the established idiom cast aspersions on the character of someone.


Verification / Alternative check:

Search your memory or reading experience for the phrase cast aspersions on and you will recall examples like They cast aspersions on his honesty or We should not cast aspersions on her reputation without evidence. You will not typically see cast abuses on or cast vituperations on in standard texts. This strong idiomatic pattern confirms that aspersions is the correct choice.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Praise is wrong because casting praise on someone character would actually be positive, and the sentence clearly criticises the act being described.

Abuses is wrong because while abuse can be used as a verb or noun, the collocation cast abuses on someone character is not standard.

Vituperations is wrong because, although it denotes abusive language, it is not used in this idiom and would sound unnatural in the sentence.


Common Pitfalls:

Many learners focus too much on the raw meaning of the individual words and ignore idiomatic usage. Abuses and vituperations may seem attractive because they are negative, but the exam is testing whether you know the complete phrase. To avoid such mistakes, learn common idioms in full rather than as isolated words.


Final Answer:

The correct word is aspersions, giving the idiom cast aspersions on the character of such a pure woman.

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