In standard English usage, what is the nearest meaning of the word Kudos when it is used to describe what someone receives for a noteworthy achievement?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: fame

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This is a vocabulary question that asks for the meaning of the word kudos. This word appears frequently in modern English to describe the positive recognition someone receives after success. Being comfortable with such words is helpful for verbal ability sections and for understanding news articles and everyday communication.


Given Data / Assumptions:

    The target word is Kudos as used in ordinary English sentences.
    The options given are blame, shame, fame and angry.
    We are looking for the closest meaning in positive everyday use of kudos.
    The context implies that kudos is given to someone, usually as a compliment or recognition.


Concept / Approach:
The word kudos comes from Greek and in modern English it is used to mean praise, honour or credit for an achievement. Someone might say "Kudos to you for your hard work" to show appreciation. Among the given options, fame is closest to this idea of receiving credit and recognition. Blame and shame are clearly negative, and angry refers to an emotion, not positive recognition.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Step 1: Recall or look up the meaning of kudos. It means praise or honour given to someone for something that has been done well. Step 2: Compare this meaning with blame, which is assigning responsibility for a mistake or something bad. This is the opposite of what kudos implies. Step 3: Consider shame, which refers to a painful feeling of embarrassment, again a negative idea that does not fit with praise. Step 4: Examine fame, which is the state of being known and recognised by many people, often because of some achievement. Step 5: Compare angry, which is a strong feeling of annoyance or hostility, and see that it is unrelated to appreciation or honour.


Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify with a standard dictionary. Most definitions of kudos mention words like praise, credit or honour. While fame is not an exact synonym, in the context of an MCQ with limited options, fame is the best available match because both concepts involve being recognised positively. Since none of the options directly offers the word praise or honour, we choose the one that is closest in meaning and tone, which is fame.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

    Blame is negative recognition for a wrong action, which is the opposite of what kudos implies.
    Shame is an unpleasant emotion linked with guilt or embarrassment, which again does not reflect the positive recognition of success.
    Angry describes a feeling of anger and has no connection to being appreciated or praised for achievements.


Common Pitfalls:
Some learners mistakenly think kudos means congratulations only, but it is better understood as the respect and praise that follow an achievement. Another trap is to focus only on similar sounding words instead of meaning. Remembering a few sample sentences with kudos used in a positive context makes it much easier to select the correct choice in an exam setting.


Final Answer:
In common English usage, Kudos is closest in meaning to fame in the sense of receiving positive recognition and credit for achievement.

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