Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Prestigious
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This vocabulary based odd one out question focuses on synonyms related to wealth. Three words are close in meaning and describe being wealthy, while one word describes social status or respect rather than money.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
Affluent, rich, and well-to-do are widely used as synonyms for having a lot of money or financial resources. Prestigious, however, refers to having high status, honour, or respect, which may or may not be linked to wealth. By separating money related words from status related words, we identify the odd one out.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Affluent: Commonly used to mean financially well off or having plenty of money.
Rich: A basic and direct word meaning wealthy or having a lot of money and assets.
Well-to-do: Another expression that means comfortably wealthy, financially secure, and prosperous.
Prestigious: Means having high reputation, honour, or cultural importance, often used for institutions, awards, or positions.
Therefore prestigious is semantically different from the other three, which all focus on wealth.
Verification / Alternative check:
You can imagine a sentence where each word modifies the same noun, such as family. An affluent family, rich family, or well-to-do family clearly suggests money and comfort. A prestigious family suggests heritage, fame, or social standing, not necessarily money. This contrast confirms that prestigious does not belong in a pure wealth synonym group.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Common Pitfalls:
Sometimes candidates loosely associate status with wealth and assume prestigious also implies rich. While there can be overlap in real life, the primary dictionary meaning of prestigious is about respect and reputation. Exam questions usually rely on the main dictionary sense, so separating prestige from money is essential for choosing the correct answer.
Final Answer:
Prestigious
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