Choose the synonym of the word "Incensed" (used in the sense of extremely angry) from the options given.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Exasperated

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This vocabulary question asks for a synonym of the adjective "incensed". In exam-level English, "incensed" is often used to describe someone who is extremely angry or outraged. To answer correctly, you must distinguish this meaning from other emotional states such as joy or light-heartedness that appear among the options.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The target word is "incensed".
  • The options are: "Ecstatic", "Exasperated", "Elated", "Blithe".
  • We assume the common dictionary meaning of "incensed" in modern English usage.


Concept / Approach:
The task is to match emotional states. "Incensed" means highly irritated, enraged, or filled with anger, often because of perceived injustice or insult. The closest match must carry the idea of strong annoyance or anger. Some options represent positive emotions, which can be eliminated quickly by contrasting them with the negative tone of "incensed".


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the meaning of "incensed". It refers to someone who is furious or very angry, not happy or joyful.Step 2: Analyse "Ecstatic". This means extremely happy or overjoyed. It is a strong positive emotion, which is the opposite of anger in tone.Step 3: Analyse "Exasperated". This means intensely irritated, annoyed, or frustrated, often after repeated problems or provocations. It shares the negative emotional field of "incensed".Step 4: Analyse "Elated". This means very happy, thrilled, or delighted, which again is a positive emotional state.Step 5: Analyse "Blithe". This means carefree, light-hearted, or sometimes indifferent in a cheerful way.Step 6: Conclude that only "Exasperated" captures strong irritation and anger similar to "incensed".


Verification / Alternative check:
Imagine example sentences. "She was incensed by the unfair treatment" can be rephrased as "She was exasperated by the unfair treatment" without a major change in sense. On the other hand, "She was ecstatic by the unfair treatment" or "She was elated by the unfair treatment" clearly clashes with the context, because no one is joyfully happy about unfairness. This confirms that "Exasperated" is the best synonym among the given choices.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • "Ecstatic": Indicates extreme happiness or delight, which is emotionally opposite to being angry or incensed.
  • "Elated": Also expresses great joy or uplifted spirits, not anger or irritation.
  • "Blithe": Suggests carefree or cheerful behaviour, possibly with a lack of concern, but not intense anger.


Common Pitfalls:
Sometimes learners confuse "incensed" with "incense" as a noun (aromatic substance used for fragrance) and therefore do not recall the emotional meaning. In vocabulary questions, it is important to focus on the context in which the adjective is typically used. Another pitfall is selecting any word that sounds formal or uncommon, assuming that the least familiar option must be correct. Instead, rely on clear definitions and test each option in example sentences.


Final Answer:
The correct synonym of "incensed" in this context is "Exasperated".

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