Out of the following options, choose the word which best expresses the meaning of the given word "INDOLENT".

Introduction / Context:
This vocabulary question tests your knowledge of English synonyms. The word "indolent" is used to describe a person or behaviour that shows a dislike of work or effort. Your task is to pick the option that has essentially the same meaning as "indolent" from the given choices.

Given Data / Assumptions:

- Target word: "INDOLENT". - Options: "LAZY", "EXPENSIVE", "ACTIVE", "HAPPY". - The word refers to attitude towards work or activity, not to cost or emotional state.

Concept / Approach:
"Indolent" means "habitually lazy" or "disliking activity or effort; slow to act". It is often used in slightly formal or written English, but the underlying idea is the same as "lazy". The other options describe completely different concepts: costliness, energy level in a positive sense, and emotional happiness. Therefore, "LAZY" is the correct synonym.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the definition of "indolent": unwilling to work, disliking activity, or showing a tendency to avoid effort. Step 2: Examine "LAZY". This word directly describes someone who does not like to work or exert himself or herself. It matches the core idea of "indolent". Step 3: Examine "EXPENSIVE". This word refers to something that costs a lot of money. It has no connection with a person's willingness to work. Step 4: Examine "ACTIVE". This is almost the opposite of "indolent"; an active person is energetic and busy, not lazy. Step 5: Examine "HAPPY". This describes an emotional state of joy or contentment and is unrelated to work habits. Step 6: Conclude that "LAZY" is the only option that shares both context and meaning with "indolent".

Verification / Alternative check:
Consider sample sentences: "His indolent attitude annoyed his employer" and "His lazy attitude annoyed his employer" both suggest that he is not willing to put in effort. If you replace "indolent" with "expensive", "active", or "happy", the sentences become meaningless or contradictory. This comparison confirms that "LAZY" is the appropriate synonym.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
"EXPENSIVE" relates to price, not to behaviour. "ACTIVE" describes someone who has energy and engages in many activities, which is the opposite of indolent. "HAPPY" refers to a positive mood and cannot be used to describe laziness or reluctance to work. These words belong to entirely different semantic fields and cannot be synonyms of "indolent".

Common Pitfalls:
Some students might confuse "indolent" with "insolent" (disrespectful or rude) due to similar spelling, leading them to think of emotional or social meanings instead of work related ones. To avoid such confusion, pay attention to context and remember that "indolent" comes from Latin roots relating to pain and effort, suggesting a desire to avoid exertion. Linking it firmly with "lazy" in your memory will help you recall the meaning quickly in exams.

Final Answer:
LAZY is the word that best expresses the meaning of "INDOLENT".