In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the one word which is the best substitute for the given definition. Showing strong feeling.

Introduction / Context:
This one word substitution question checks knowledge of adjectives that describe intensity of emotion or attitude. The definition given is showing strong feeling, which typically refers to passionate, forceful expression in speech, behaviour, or opinion. The correct choice must reflect strong intensity, not weakness, lack of interest, or inability. The options contrast a powerful emotional word with weaker or negative ones, making discrimination between them essential.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Definition: Showing strong feeling.
• Options: Meek, Vehement, Apathetic, Impotent.
• We assume standard dictionary meanings for descriptive adjectives of character and behaviour.
• The answer must capture strong and active emotional expression.

Concept / Approach:
Vehement means showing strong and often intense feeling; forceful, passionate, or extremely emphatic. It is commonly used for arguments, protests, denials, and emotions that are expressed with great energy. Meek refers to being quiet, gentle, and easily imposed on, which is the opposite of forceful. Apathetic means showing or feeling little or no interest or emotion, again the opposite of strong feeling. Impotent means powerless or lacking strength, especially the ability to take effective action. Among the given choices, only vehement correctly matches the idea of powerful emotional expression.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Focus on the key idea in the definition: strong feeling, which suggests passion or intensity.Step 2: Examine Vehement. It directly means forceful, passionate, or intense in expression, matching the definition almost exactly.Step 3: Examine Meek. This means submissive, gentle, or mild, describing someone who does not assert strong feelings openly.Step 4: Examine Apathetic. This describes a person who lacks interest, enthusiasm, or concern, which is very far from strong feeling.Step 5: Examine Impotent. This means lacking power or ability to act effectively, not describing emotional strength itself. Therefore, Vehement is the correct substitute.

Verification / Alternative check:
We can support the choice by recalling common collocations. People speak of vehement protests, vehement criticism, or vehement opposition, where the shared idea is strong, passionate feeling. By contrast, a meek protest sounds weak, apathetic criticism suggests no real emotional involvement, and impotent opposition suggests ineffective rather than emotionally intense response. These examples show that only vehement consistently carries the required sense of strong feeling in standard usage and exam oriented contexts.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Meek: This word describes a quiet, submissive, or gentle personality, often associated with lack of assertiveness. It is closer to mildness than intensity. Apathetic: This directly opposes the idea of strong feeling because it describes emotional numbness or lack of interest. Impotent: This focuses on lack of power or effectiveness, which is not the same as lack or presence of feeling; a person can feel strongly and still be impotent in action. None of these words align with the definition provided in the question.

Common Pitfalls:
Some candidates may confuse vehement with violent and then hesitate to choose it, believing it carries only physical aggression. In fact, vehement is often used for strong but non physical emotional expression. Another pitfall is to misread showing strong feeling as simply feeling strongly, which can lead students to consider even negative words that imply inner conflict. A safe approach is to focus on how the feeling is expressed outwardly; vehement clearly denotes forceful expression, whereas the other options describe quietness, indifference, or weakness.

Final Answer:
The one word substitute for showing strong feeling is Vehement.