English Usage — Spot the intended meaning behind a misused word. Sentence (corrected): Sanjay is very diffident about passing the Civil Services Examination this year.
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ADead sure of
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BVery hopeful of
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CLacking self confidence about
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DReasonably certain of
Answer
Correct Answer: Lacking self confidence about
Explanation
Introduction / Context:The original stem has a likely typo: “different” should read “diffident.” In entrance-exam English, “diffident” is a standard adjective meaning shy, reserved, or lacking in self-confidence. The sentence concerns Sanjay’s feelings about his chances of passing a high-stakes exam, so we must select the paraphrase that captures low confidence.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Corrected keyword: diffident (not different).
- Context: expectations regarding an exam result.
- We need the most accurate meaning from the given paraphrases.
Concept / Approach:“Diffident about” directly maps to “lacking self-confidence about.” Options that express certainty or hopefulness contradict the meaning, and “reasonably certain” is especially opposite. Therefore option C is the precise match.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify probable typo and correct to “diffident.”Recall dictionary meaning: shy/reserved/lacking confidence.Select “Lacking self confidence about.”Reject options showing certainty or optimism.Verification / Alternative check:Substitute: “Sanjay is very lacking in self-confidence about passing …” This reads naturally and mirrors typical exam explanations where “diffident” is contrasted with “confident,” “hopeful,” or “certain.”
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- Dead sure of: Total confidence; opposite meaning.
- Very hopeful of: Optimism; not diffidence.
- Reasonably certain of: Moderate confidence; still opposite.
Common Pitfalls:Confusing “diffident” with “different” due to similarity in spelling. Always verify the collocation “diffident about/of” meaning shy or lacking confidence in a particular matter.
Final Answer:Lacking self confidence about