In this one-word substitution question, choose the single English word that best expresses the idea of "vexation or humiliation because of disappointment", that is, an uncomfortable feeling arising when one's hopes or pride are hurt.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Chagrin

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This vocabulary question tests your grasp of nuanced emotional terms in English. The phrase in the stem describes a specific emotional reaction: feeling annoyed, embarrassed, or humiliated because something has gone wrong or expectations have been disappointed. English has a concise word that captures this emotional mix very precisely, and recognising it is useful for reading literature and sophisticated prose.


Given Data / Assumptions:
The phrase given is "vexation or humiliation because of disappointment". We must identify the single word that summarises this emotional state. We assume standard, non-technical meanings for all options.


Concept / Approach:
The correct word is "chagrin". It refers to a feeling of distress, annoyance, or embarrassment caused by failure or disappointment. It is often used when someone feels foolish or let down after thinking something would go well. The other options refer to materials or substances and do not describe emotions at all, which makes them easy to eliminate if you focus on meaning rather than just sound.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify that the phrase describes an emotion, not an object or substance. Step 2: Recall that "chagrin" is defined as distress or embarrassment at having failed or been humiliated. Step 3: Check whether any of the other options denote emotional states; they do not. Step 4: Match the idea of vexation and humiliation due to disappointment directly with "chagrin". Step 5: Choose Option C as the correct one-word substitution.


Verification / Alternative check:
Consider example usages such as "To his chagrin, the plan failed" or "She could not hide her chagrin when her name was not announced". In both cases, the emotion is a combination of disappointment, slight embarrassment, and annoyance. This fits the phrase in the question exactly. None of the other options can be used naturally in such sentences to express that feeling, which verifies our choice.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A, "Linen", is a fabric made from flax and has no emotional meaning. Option B, "Adrenalin" (or "adrenaline"), is a hormone associated with excitement and the fight-or-flight response, but not specifically with humiliation or disappointment. Option D, "Porcelain", is a type of ceramic used for dishes and decorative objects. Since all three are physical substances, they cannot substitute a phrase that clearly refers to an inner emotional experience.


Common Pitfalls:
Sometimes candidates pick "adrenalin" because disappointment can cause strong feelings, and they loosely connect emotions with hormones. However, the phrase given is not about physical arousal; it is specifically about humiliation and vexation. Another pitfall is unfamiliarity with "chagrin" because it is less common in everyday speech. To avoid errors, it helps to read editorials, essays, and novels where such words frequently occur, and to build a habit of noting new emotional vocabulary with example sentences.


Final Answer:
The correct answer is "Chagrin".

More Questions from English

Discussion & Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!
Join Discussion