In the following question, select the word that is similar in meaning to the given word: Stymie.

Introduction / Context:

Synonym questions test your knowledge of word meanings and your ability to choose the option that is closest in sense to the given keyword. The word stymie is often used in academic reading passages, newspaper editorials, and formal writing. Understanding its meaning helps you follow arguments about policies, projects, or investigations that face obstacles or delays.

Given Data / Assumptions:

- The keyword is Stymie.

- The options are Explicate, Abet, Impede, and Aid.

- Only one option should match the core meaning of stymie.

- We assume standard modern English usage without any specialised technical sense.

Concept / Approach:

Stymie means to block, hinder, or prevent progress. It is commonly used when plans, investigations, or negotiations are obstructed by some difficulty. Impede means to slow down or prevent movement or progress, and thus shares this core idea of obstruction. Explicate means to explain in detail. Abet means to assist or encourage, especially in wrongdoing. Aid means to help or support. Since the last three imply help rather than hindrance, they represent the opposite semantic field to stymie. Therefore impede is the correct synonym.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

To verify, you can place each option into an example sentence. The new regulations may stymie economic growth can easily be rewritten as The new regulations may impede economic growth, and the meaning remains almost identical. If you try Explicate, the sentence becomes illogical because explaining growth does not match the idea of blocking it. Abet and Aid both suggest help, so they do not fit the negative context of stymie. This substitution method confirms that impede is the correct choice.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Explicate is wrong because it deals with clarification and explanation and has no built in sense of obstruction. Abet is wrong because it signals assistance, often in a negative act, but still implies helping rather than hindering. Aid clearly means to help or support, which is directly opposite to creating obstacles. None of these three options preserve the idea of blocking progress.

Common Pitfalls:

Learners sometimes confuse stymie with words that sound somewhat similar but are different in meaning. Another pitfall is to choose a familiar word like aid simply because it is known, without fully considering the meaning of the keyword. To avoid such mistakes, always recall a brief definition of the given word and match it carefully with each option. Building vocabulary through reading and using new words in sentences helps reinforce correct meanings.

Final Answer:

The word that is similar in meaning to stymie is Impede.