In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the word that is similar in meaning to the given word. Exorbitant.

Introduction / Context:
This is a vocabulary question that asks you to choose a synonym for the word “exorbitant”. Words like “exorbitant” are frequently used in newspapers, economic discussions and exam passages, especially when talking about prices, fees or demands that are considered far too much. Being comfortable with such high-frequency words helps you quickly understand editorials, reports and comprehension passages in competitive exams. Here, you must pick the option that best matches the standard meaning of “exorbitant”.

Given Data / Assumptions:

The target word is “exorbitant”.
The options are “high”, “dull”, “clear” and “rare”.
You must choose the one closest in meaning in normal exam usage, especially in the context of costs, prices or demands.
The word is often used with nouns like prices, rates, charges, interest, or demands for money.

Concept / Approach:
The word “exorbitant” comes from a Latin root meaning “out of the normal track” and in modern English it means “much too high”, “excessive” or “unreasonably large”, especially when referring to prices, fees or demands. For example, “exorbitant rent” means rent that is far beyond what is reasonable. Among the given options, “high” is the only word that is close to this idea. The other options, “dull”, “clear” and “rare”, describe completely different qualities and do not match the meaning of “exorbitant” at all.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the usual contexts where you see “exorbitant”: exorbitant prices, exorbitant interest rates, exorbitant demands. Step 2: Replace “exorbitant” with each option in a sample phrase, like “exorbitant fee”. Step 3: “High fee” is a common, meaningful phrase; “dull fee”, “clear fee” and “rare fee” are unnatural and do not express excessive cost. Step 4: Think of the dictionary meaning: “extremely high, excessive, unreasonable”. Step 5: The closest simple synonym among the given choices is “high”. Step 6: Therefore, choose “high” as the correct option.

Verification / Alternative check:
Consider example sentences: “The shop charges exorbitant prices for imported goods.” If you substitute “high”, you get “The shop charges high prices for imported goods”, which still conveys the essential idea, even if it is slightly less strong. Substituting any of the other words gives meaningless or very odd sentences. This comparison confirms that “high” is the only option that carries the correct sense of “very expensive or excessive” that “exorbitant” usually expresses in exam texts and everyday English.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Dull: This means “boring”, “not bright”, or “not sharp”, and has nothing to do with the size or amount of a price or demand.
Clear: This means “easy to understand”, “transparent” or “free from doubt”; again, it does not convey the idea of excess or height in cost.
Rare: This means “uncommon” or “infrequent” and does not describe how large or small something is; it is unrelated to the idea of being too expensive.

Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to overthink and look for a very complex synonym, when exam setters often give a simple word that captures the main sense. Another pitfall is mixing up “exorbitant” with words like “extravagant” or “luxurious”. While these can appear together, “exorbitant” specifically focuses on being excessively high in price or demand, not on being stylish or showy. Building a personal word list with example sentences for such high-frequency adjectives is a very effective way to avoid confusion in synonym and antonym questions.

Final Answer:
Correct answer: high.