In this vocabulary question, choose the option which best expresses the meaning of the English word "Apathy".

Introduction / Context:
This vocabulary question tests your understanding of the word "apathy", which is often used in social, political, and psychological discussions. Recognising its meaning helps in interpreting passages about people's attitudes towards important issues. You must select the word that most closely matches the meaning of "apathy".

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Target word: "Apathy".
• Option A: "negligence"
• Option B: "indifference"
• Option C: "sympathy"
• Option D: "silence"
• We assume standard contemporary dictionary meanings for these words.

Concept / Approach:
"Apathy" refers to a lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern. It describes a state where a person does not care about things that others might find important, exciting, or troubling. The word "indifference" has a very similar meaning: not feeling interest or concern about something. "Negligence" is failure to take proper care in doing something, often leading to damage or harm, but it focuses more on careless behaviour than on emotional detachment. "Sympathy" is the opposite of apathy; it involves sharing or understanding another's feelings. "Silence" is simply the absence of sound or speech and does not necessarily indicate emotional lack of concern. Therefore, "indifference" is the closest synonym.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the meaning of "apathy": emotional numbness or lack of concern.Step 2: Compare it with "indifference", which means not caring much one way or another.Step 3: Note that "negligence" involves careless action or inaction that can cause harm, which is related but not the same as emotional disinterest.Step 4: Observe that "sympathy" is clearly different; it means caring about others' feelings and is almost opposite of apathy.Step 5: Recognise that "silence" is about not speaking and does not necessarily say anything about emotional concern or lack of it.

Verification / Alternative check:
Consider usage: "Voter apathy is a major problem in many democracies." Replacing "apathy" with "indifference" gives "Voter indifference is a major problem", which preserves the meaning well. Using "negligence" would change the idea to careless wrongdoing, which is not identical. "Voter sympathy" or "voter silence" would completely change the sentence. This confirms that "indifference" is the best synonym for "apathy" in most contexts.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Option A "negligence" emphasises failure to exercise proper care, especially in legal or professional contexts, rather than emotional lack of interest.
• Option C "sympathy" implies emotional involvement and concern for others, which is the opposite of apathy.
• Option D "silence" refers only to not speaking or making noise; silent people can still be deeply concerned or emotional.

Common Pitfalls:
Because apathetic people sometimes fail to act, students may confuse "apathy" with "negligence". However, negligence is judged against a duty of care and often occurs even when someone does care but acts carelessly. Apathy is about not caring in the first place. Keeping this distinction clear helps not only in vocabulary questions but also in understanding passages about social and moral responsibility.

Final Answer:
The word that best expresses the meaning of "apathy" is "indifference".