In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the word that is similar in meaning to the given word Connoisseur, that is, an expert and discerning judge of quality or taste.

Introduction / Context:
This vocabulary question tests the meaning of the word Connoisseur, a term that appears often in competitive exams, especially in passages about art, food, wine, and culture. A candidate must know that this word refers to a person who has deep knowledge and refined taste, and who is able to judge quality with discrimination. Selecting the correct synonym shows a good command of high frequency advanced English words that are used in editorial writing and descriptive passages.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The target word is Connoisseur.
• The four options are Decisive, Uncivilised, Discerning judge, and Narrow-minded.
• Only one option must be closest in meaning to Connoisseur.
• The question is a standard synonym question with no extra sentence context provided.

Concept / Approach:
Connoisseur is used for a person who is an expert judge in matters of taste or quality. Examples include a connoisseur of art, a connoisseur of classical music, or a connoisseur of fine food. The key ideas are expertise, refined taste, and the ability to judge subtle differences in quality. Therefore, we look for an option that conveys the idea of a discerning and informed judge, rather than simply any strong decision maker or ordinary person with opinions.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the dictionary sense of Connoisseur as an expert who can appreciate and judge the fine points of something, especially in art, food, or wine. Step 2: Examine the option Decisive. This word describes someone who can make decisions quickly and firmly. It does not necessarily imply expertise in judging quality. Step 3: Examine Uncivilised. This is the opposite of refined. A connoisseur is usually associated with culture and refinement, so this meaning clearly does not match. Step 4: Examine Discerning judge. This directly expresses the idea of a person who judges with insight and refined taste. It aligns very closely with the sense of Connoisseur. Step 5: Examine Narrow-minded, which refers to a person who is not open to new ideas. This is again the opposite of the broad, informed outlook that a connoisseur usually has. Step 6: Conclude that Discerning judge is the only option that captures the core meaning of Connoisseur.

Verification / Alternative check:
In many texts, phrases such as wine connoisseur or art connoisseur can be replaced by expert judge of wine or expert judge of art without changing the meaning significantly. The emphasis is always on refined judgement and discrimination among high quality items. Decisive people may simply make quick decisions, sometimes even without deep understanding, which is not the same. Narrow-minded and Uncivilised actually carry negative connotations and do not fit the image of a cultured expert. Thus, Discerning judge is clearly the best synonym in this context.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Decisive is wrong because it focuses on decision making speed and firmness, not on refined appreciation or expertise. Uncivilised is wrong because it suggests a lack of culture or refinement, which is the opposite of what a connoisseur embodies. Narrow-minded is wrong because it refers to closed thinking and intolerance, again contrary to the broad and informed outlook of a true connoisseur. None of these words expresses the idea of an expert judge in matters of taste.

Common Pitfalls:
A common error is to pick Decisive simply because a connoisseur does make judgements, and students confuse making decisions with expert evaluation. Another pitfall is ignoring the typical collocations where connoisseur appears, such as art connoisseur, which clearly signals expertise and refined taste. To avoid mistakes, learners should remember that connoisseur always implies both deep knowledge and subtle appreciation, not merely a strong opinion.

Final Answer:
The word that is similar in meaning to Connoisseur is Discerning judge.