In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the word which is similar in meaning to the given word.\n\nDrivel

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Blather

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This vocabulary question asks you to choose a synonym, that is, a word with the closest meaning to the given word. The word under consideration is “drivel.” You need to know or infer what “drivel” means and then match it with the most similar word from the options. Such questions are common in competitive exams to test range and precision of vocabulary.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Target word: drivel.
  • Options: Intelligent, Blather, Judicious, Sane.
  • “Drivel” is typically used to describe foolish, silly, or meaningless talk.
  • The context is that of speech or language, not of physical objects.


Concept / Approach:
“Drivel” usually refers to nonsense talk or writing that lacks sense, value, or seriousness. A synonymous word would also refer to foolish or trivial talk. Among the options, “blather” is an informal word that means nonsensical or empty talk, especially when someone goes on at length without saying anything important. The other options describe good or reasonable thinking, which is the opposite of drivel.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall or infer the meaning of “drivel” as stupid or senseless talk.Step 2: Examine “Blather”: this word means long-winded, foolish, or meaningless talk.Step 3: Compare this with the meanings of “Intelligent,” “Judicious,” and “Sane,” all of which suggest good sense and rational thinking.Step 4: Since drivel is unreasonable, these positive words cannot be synonyms.Step 5: Conclude that “Blather” is the nearest synonym to “Drivel.”


Verification / Alternative check:
You can try substituting the word “drivel” with “blather” in example sentences. For instance, “His speech was complete drivel” becomes “His speech was complete blather,” and the meaning remains almost the same. By contrast, replacing “drivel” with “intelligent” or “judicious” would create sentences with opposite meanings, which confirms that they are not synonyms.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A: “Intelligent” means showing intelligence, understanding, or good sense, which is the opposite of drivel.

Option C: “Judicious” means having or showing good judgement, sensible and wise.

Option D: “Sane” means mentally sound, sensible, and reasonable.

Option E: “Rational speech” emphasises logic and coherence, again the opposite of nonsensical drivel.


Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes choose words that merely occur in similar contexts without checking whether the meaning matches. Another trap is to assume that a difficult word must have a positive meaning. In reality, many advanced words describe negative qualities, such as foolishness, confusion, or excess. Always try to recall an approximate definition of the target word before checking the options.


Final Answer:
Blather

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