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

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Slumber

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This vocabulary question tests the learner's knowledge of synonyms. The word given is "stupor", and the task is to select from the options the word that is closest in meaning. Many competitive examinations frequently test such words that describe mental or physical states, so understanding "stupor" is important for accurate reading and comprehension.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The target word is "stupor".
  • Options: "Sensibility", "Slumber", "Liveliness", "Consciousness".
  • "Stupor" generally describes a state of near unconsciousness or reduced awareness.


Concept / Approach:
"Stupor" refers to a condition in which a person is almost unconscious and has very limited mental and physical activity. It is often used in medical, psychological, or descriptive contexts. Among the given options, "slumber" means sleep or the state of sleeping, which is close to a condition where awareness is greatly reduced. The other options either express the opposite idea (full awareness or liveliness) or do not match this sense of reduced consciousness.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the meaning of "stupor": a state of near unconsciousness, dullness, or insensibility. Step 2: Examine "Sensibility". This means the capacity to feel, perceive, or respond emotionally, which suggests heightened awareness rather than dulled awareness. Step 3: Examine "Slumber". This means sleep or the act of sleeping, which involves reduced consciousness and is therefore quite close in sense to stupor. Step 4: Examine "Liveliness". This means full of life, energy, or activity, which is the opposite of the dull, inactive state implied by stupor. Step 5: Examine "Consciousness". This refers to full awareness and alertness, also opposite in meaning to stupor. Step 6: Conclude that "Slumber" is the best synonym among the given options.


Verification / Alternative check:
To verify, consider example sentences. A person in a stupor barely responds to stimuli, similar to someone who is asleep or in deep slumber. In contrast, someone with high sensibility or full consciousness would be very responsive. Liveliness clearly implies energy, which contradicts the numb, inactive condition of stupor. Therefore, slumber is consistently the closest match in meaning among the given choices.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Sensibility: Indicates sensitivity and awareness, which opposes the dullness of stupor.
  • Slumber: Correctly relates to sleep and reduced awareness, making it the closest in meaning to stupor.
  • Liveliness: Expresses energetic and animated behaviour, the direct opposite of stupor.
  • Consciousness: Refers to full awareness and mental clarity, again the opposite of a stuporous state.


Common Pitfalls:
Students may confuse stupor with silly behaviour or with emotional dullness, but its core meaning is a state of reduced or near absent awareness. Another pitfall is selecting words that feel intellectually impressive, such as "sensibility" or "consciousness", even though they are semantically opposite. Reading example sentences and remembering that stupor is close to sleep like unresponsiveness helps avoid such mistakes.


Final Answer:
The word similar in meaning to "stupor" is Slumber.

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