In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the one which is the best one-word substitute for the given expression: “Well chosen or suited to the circumstances”.

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: Felicitous

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This one word substitution question asks you to replace a descriptive phrase with a single precise adjective. The phrase “Well chosen or suited to the circumstances” is often used to describe a remark, phrase, action or solution that fits a situation perfectly. Knowing the exact adjective for this idea helps you express yourself more economically and impressively in English.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Phrase: “Well chosen or suited to the circumstances”.
  • Options: Bias, Disparity, Asperity, Felicitous.
  • We need the word that describes something as appropriately or happily chosen for a particular occasion.
  • The other options have quite different meanings, often negative or unrelated.



Concept / Approach:
The adjective felicitous means well chosen, especially of words or expressions, and very suitable to the circumstances. It comes from the same root as felicity, meaning happiness or appropriateness. Bias means prejudice, disparity means inequality or difference, and asperity refers to harshness of tone or manner. Among these, only felicitous matches the idea of something being appropriately chosen for the situation.



Step-by-Step Solution:
Understand the phrase: “Well chosen or suited to the circumstances” implies exactly appropriate, fitting, or especially apt.Check Felicitous: standard dictionary meaning includes “well chosen or suited to the circumstances”, especially for words or style.Check Bias: a tendency to favour one side unfairly; unrelated to being well chosen.Check Disparity: a great difference, especially one that is unfair; again, not about suitability.Check Asperity: harshness in tone or manner; also used for rough conditions.Therefore, Felicitous is the correct one word substitute.



Verification / Alternative check:
Use felicitous in example sentences:“She made a felicitous remark that eased the tension in the room.” – the remark was well chosen for that tense situation.“The author is known for his felicitous choice of words.” – his words are well suited to his themes.If we try to replace the phrase with bias, disparity or asperity, neither the meaning nor the tone will match. In fact, those words introduce negative ideas like unfairness or harshness, which contradict the positive evaluation “well chosen”.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Bias is a negative term for an unfair preference or prejudice; it does not imply appropriateness. Disparity refers to a noticeable and often unfair difference between two things, such as income disparity, which is again negative and unrelated to suitability. Asperity means roughness or harshness in manner, tone or conditions; describing a comment as full of asperity means it is biting or sharp, not well chosen to suit delicate circumstances. None of these words captures the positive sense of being apt or fitting that felicitous carries.



Common Pitfalls:
Because felicitous is not an everyday word, some students may be tempted to choose a more familiar term, even if the meaning does not fit. To avoid this, it is helpful to learn a few high value vocabulary words like felicitous with their common collocations: a felicitous phrase, a felicitous comparison, felicitous timing. Remembering that felicitous essentially means “apt and well suited” will allow you to answer this type of substitution question confidently.



Final Answer:
The best one-word substitute for “Well chosen or suited to the circumstances” is Felicitous.


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