In this synonym question, select the option that is closest in meaning to the word “aground”.

Introduction / Context:
This vocabulary question asks for a synonym of the word “aground”. The term is often used in connection with ships or boats, but can also be used metaphorically. Understanding such words is useful in reading news reports, especially about accidents at sea or difficult situations.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Target word: “aground”.
• Options: stranded, higher, afloat, buoyant.
• We must pick the word closest in meaning.
• No sentence is given, but the common maritime sense is assumed.

Concept / Approach:
“Aground” means that a ship or boat has run onto the shore or into shallow water and is stuck on the bottom, no longer freely floating. A general English synonym for this situation is “stranded”. When someone or something is stranded, it is left without the ability to move from its place or without help. The other options, such as “afloat” and “buoyant”, describe the opposite condition: staying above water or able to float.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the definition of “aground”: resting on the bottom or shore, unable to move in the water. Step 2: Examine Option A: “stranded”. This means stuck or left in a difficult position without the means to move, which matches the idea of a ship aground. Step 3: Examine Option B: “higher”. This is too general and does not relate to ships or being stuck. Step 4: Examine Option C: “afloat”. This actually means floating on the surface of water, which is the opposite of being aground. Step 5: Examine Option D: “buoyant”. This means able to float or cheerful, again opposite in sense to being stuck on the bottom.

Verification / Alternative check:
Think of a news headline such as “Cargo vessel runs aground near the harbour”. It could also be reported as “Cargo vessel stranded near the harbour”. Both descriptions show the ship stuck and unable to move. In contrast, a ship that is “afloat” is still on the water without touching the bottom. This comparison confirms that “stranded” is the closest synonym.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B: “higher” has no specific connection to the state of a ship in water and is too vague. Option C: “afloat” is the opposite, indicating that something is freely floating on the water. Option D: “buoyant” describes the ability to float or a cheerful mood, again opposite to being stuck.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse directions and conditions, mistakenly thinking that “aground” refers to being above water in a positive way. It helps to remember that “ground” in the word points to the bottom or shore, suggesting contact with land rather than free movement in the water. Knowing basic maritime vocabulary like “afloat”, “aground”, and “adrift” can prevent such confusion.

Final Answer:
The synonym that best matches “aground” is stranded.