Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: aptly
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This question completes a sentence comparing the Indian Supreme Court justices to Lycurgus. They are said to have created an island of immutability, blank titled the basic structure. The adverb here must describe how appropriate or fitting the title is in relation to the concept of an unchangeable core of the constitution. This is a stylistic and semantic choice that tests knowledge of subtle adverb meanings.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
Aptly means in a way that is suitable or appropriate to the circumstances, often used for names, titles, and descriptions that match their subjects well. Saying something is aptly titled basic structure means that the title fits the concept very well. Timely refers to something happening at the right time, not to the suitability of a name. Opportunely also focuses on timing, meaning at a favourable or convenient moment. Pertinently means in a relevant or directly related way, and is more often applied to remarks or questions rather than titles. Among these, aptly is the only adverb that directly conveys the idea of a well chosen, appropriate title.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify that the clause is evaluating the suitability of the phrase basic structure as a name for an unchangeable constitutional core.
Step 2: Recall that aptly is commonly used with verbs like named, called, or titled to say that a label fits its object.
Step 3: Examine timely and opportunely, which focus on whether something happens at the right time, not whether a name is appropriate.
Step 4: Consider pertinently, which usually modifies questions, remarks, or issues that are relevant to a topic, and is rarely used with titled.
Step 5: Choose aptly as the adverb that naturally combines with titled and expresses that basic structure is an appropriate and fitting label for the principle.
Verification / Alternative check:
Insert each adverb into the sentence. An island of immutability, aptly titled the basic structure, conveys clearly that the term basic structure is a suitable name for this unchanging constitutional idea. An island of immutability, timely titled the basic structure, sounds odd because timely does not usually modify titled. Opportunely titled suggests that the title was chosen at a convenient time, which is not the focus of the passage. Pertinently titled is possible but uncommon; pertinently more often relates to arguments and questions, not to naming. Legal and academic writing often uses expressions like aptly termed or aptly called, confirming that aptly is the most idiomatic choice.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A timely describes time appropriateness and is used for actions or decisions happening at a suitable moment, not for evaluating whether a title fits a concept.
Option C opportunely also emphasises timing and favourable moments, not the semantic suitability of names or titles.
Option D pertinently focuses on relevance in argument or discussion and is not the standard adverb used with titled when praising a name as well chosen.
Common Pitfalls:
Candidates sometimes focus only on the general positive tone of the options and select words that sound sophisticated without checking their usual collocations. Timely and opportunely both feel positive but are semantically tied to time, not naming. Another pitfall is confusing apt with apt time; in this context, apt describes suitability, and aptly naturally follows from that meaning. When you face similar questions, always think about which adverb you have actually seen used with that particular verb or noun in quality reading material.
Final Answer:
aptly
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