In English vocabulary, select the synonym that best conveys the meaning of the adjective "stumpy", which describes someone or something that is short and thickset in appearance.

Introduction / Context:
Descriptive adjectives that portray physical build are frequently tested in English vocabulary questions because they appear in novels, character sketches, and descriptive essays. The word "stumpy" is often used to describe limbs, trees, or people that are short and thick. In this question, the learner must identify a synonym that captures this same visual impression. Understanding such fine differences is important for accurate reading and precise writing in English.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The word under test is "stumpy". - The context is physical appearance, especially height and build. - One option should closely match this meaning, while others describe different body types. - Exactly one synonym is correct.

Concept / Approach:
Stumpy suggests something that is comparatively short and thick, like a cut off tree trunk or short legs that look somewhat stubby. To choose the correct synonym, the learner should compare the sense of each option. Words like "lanky" and "rangy" usually describe tall, thin, or long limbed figures, which are the opposite of short and thickset. "Lofty" refers to great height in a physical or metaphorical sense. Only a word that suggests shortness combined with chubbiness or thickness will be a proper synonym.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that "stumpy" is commonly used for short, thick legs or a short, thick structure like a stumpy pillar. Step 2: Evaluate option a, "rangy". Rangy describes someone tall and slim, with long arms and legs, which is the opposite of short and stubby. Step 3: Evaluate option b, "pudgy". Pudgy refers to someone who is somewhat fat or plump, especially in a short, rounded way, which fits well with the idea behind "stumpy". Step 4: Evaluate option c, "lanky". Lanky is used for people who are tall, thin, and often awkward in movement, again very different from short and thick. Step 5: Evaluate option d, "lofty". Lofty means very tall or high in position, or metaphorically noble in ideas, and does not imply shortness. Step 6: Conclude that "pudgy" is the only word that evokes a similar short and heavy build, so it is the correct synonym.

Verification / Alternative check:
A quick verification technique is to imagine describing the same character with each word. If you say "a stumpy little boy" and change it to "a pudgy little boy", the character still seems short and a bit fat. Changing it to "a lanky little boy" completely alters the image, making the boy tall and skinny. Similarly, "rangy" and "lofty" give a picture of height rather than shortness. This mental visualisation confirms that pudgy is the best match for stumpy in standard English usage.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option a "rangy" is wrong because it describes tall, long limbed people or animals, not short, thick ones. Option c "lanky" is wrong because it means tall and thin, which is almost the opposite of "stumpy". Option d "lofty" is wrong because it focuses on great height or high status and has no suggestion of short, thick proportions.

Common Pitfalls:
Many learners confuse such adjectives because they all relate to body shape but carry very different images. Examination setters exploit this by providing several body build adjectives together, hoping that candidates will guess. To avoid this trap, learners should build strong associations of each word with a clear mental picture, for example short and thick for "stumpy", tall and thin for "lanky", and so on. Revising examples from literature or descriptive passages further strengthens these visual connections.

Final Answer:
The correct synonym of "stumpy" in this question is pudgy.