In each of the following questions, choose the word that is most similar in meaning to the word given in capitals. Here, the word is ABJURE, which is often used in formal English to describe giving something up.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Renounce

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This question belongs to the vocabulary section focusing on synonyms. The given word ABJURE appears frequently in formal or legal contexts and is important for competitive exams. Understanding its meaning helps you recognise similar words in reading passages and improves your ability to answer synonym questions correctly. You must select the option that most closely captures the meaning of abjure.


Given Data / Assumptions:
- Target word: ABJURE. - Options: Renounce, Run off secretly, Abide, Discuss. - Only one option is the closest meaning match in standard usage.


Concept / Approach:
Abjure means to formally give up a belief, claim, or way of life, often under oath or by a serious decision. It is very close in meaning to renounce. To solve this question, you should first recall what abjure means or infer it from similar words like adjure or conjure in context. Then compare that meaning with the choices. Words that indicate running away, tolerating, or talking about something do not capture the formal giving up or rejection implied by abjure.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that abjure is used when someone gives up an idea, belief, or claim in a firm and often public way. Step 2: Examine option A, Renounce. Renounce means to give up or formally declare abandonment of a right, belief, or practice. This matches the core meaning of abjure. Step 3: Examine option B, Run off secretly, which describes escaping or eloping, an entirely different idea. Step 4: Examine option C, Abide, which means to tolerate or to remain, again the opposite of giving up something. Step 5: Examine option D, Discuss, which means to talk about something and does not suggest abandonment.


Verification / Alternative check:
To verify, consider example sentences. A person might abjure violence, meaning that the person renounces violence and decides not to follow it any more. Substituting renounce gives the same idea. However, saying run off secretly, abide, or discuss would completely change the meaning of such a sentence. This confirms that renounce is the only true synonym among the options given, making it the correct choice for this question.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Run off secretly is wrong because it refers to physical escape, not formal abandonment of an idea or belief. Abide is wrong because it suggests acceptance or tolerance, which is the opposite of giving up. Discuss is wrong because it involves talking about an issue and has no sense of renunciation.


Common Pitfalls:
A frequent pitfall is confusing abjure with similar sounding words such as adjure, which means to urge or command earnestly. Another mistake is to guess based on vague familiarity with the sound of the word rather than its meaning. To avoid this, always connect abjure with the idea of renouncing a belief or practice. Learning such words in example sentences, particularly from editorial and legal contexts, greatly improves retention and exam performance.


Final Answer:
The word most similar in meaning to ABJURE is Renounce.

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