In the following question, choose the word from the options which is similar in meaning (synonym) to the given word Atrocity.

Introduction / Context:
This vocabulary question examines your understanding of words related to extreme cruelty or violence. The term atrocity often appears in news reports and history texts to describe very brutal acts, especially in war or crime. To answer correctly, you must choose a synonym that carries the same strong negative meaning rather than just any negative sounding word.

Given Data / Assumptions:
Target word: Atrocity.
Options: Difficulty, Barbarity, Shy, Gloomy.
We are looking for the closest synonym in meaning.
Context: events such as war crimes, mass killings or very cruel acts are commonly called atrocities.

Concept / Approach:
Atrocity refers to an extremely cruel, wicked, or violent act, often involving serious injury or death. The core idea is brutal cruelty. Barbarity means extreme cruelty or brutality, which matches this sense very closely. The other options describe general problems, personality traits or moods (difficulty, shy, gloomy) and are not related to cruelty. The strategy is to focus on the severity and moral judgment contained in atrocity and match it with an equally strong word.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the definition of atrocity as an extremely wicked or cruel act, typically physical or violent. Step 2: Examine Barbarity. Barbarity means brutal or inhuman cruelty, behaviour that is like that of a barbarian. This aligns very well with the meaning of atrocity. Step 3: Examine Difficulty. Difficulty refers to something hard to do or understand, not to cruelty or violence. Step 4: Examine Shy. Shy describes a person who is timid or nervous in social situations, again unrelated to violent acts. Step 5: Examine Gloomy. Gloomy means dark, depressing or sad, often describing mood or weather, not necessarily acts of cruelty. Step 6: Therefore, Barbarity is the word most similar in meaning to atrocity.

Verification / Alternative check:
Consider example sentences: The massacre was an atrocity committed during the war can be rephrased as The massacre was an act of barbarity committed during the war without changing the basic meaning. However, saying The massacre was a difficulty, was shy, or was gloomy makes no sense. This substitution test confirms your choice of Barbarity.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Difficulty describes a level of challenge or problem in doing something; it has no connection to moral or physical cruelty.
Shy refers to a personality trait of being reserved or timid, which is almost the opposite of aggressive cruelty seen in atrocities.
Gloomy refers to sadness, darkness or a depressing atmosphere; although atrocities can create a gloomy mood, the word itself does not mean cruelty and therefore is not a synonym.

Common Pitfalls:
Learners may sometimes connect gloomy with tragic events and feel tempted to choose it, but the exam expects precise equivalence, not indirect association. Atrocity is about the action itself being cruel and barbaric, not just about the sad mood that follows. To avoid mistakes, always anchor your choice in the core dictionary meaning of the keyword, not in side effects or emotional reactions.

Final Answer:
The word similar in meaning to Atrocity is Barbarity.