Select the synonym of the adjective "proscriptive" from the options given below.

Introduction / Context:
This vocabulary question asks you to choose the synonym of the adjective "proscriptive". Words ending in "ive" are often adjectives that describe a tendency or quality, and they may not appear in everyday conversation, so they are popular in competitive exam papers. Understanding "proscriptive" is also useful in academic contexts where people discuss laws, rules, language usage or social norms that restrict behaviour.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The target word is "proscriptive".
• The options are "forbidding", "generous", "lavish", "careless" and "permissive".
• Some options describe strictness or restriction, while others describe freedom or abundance.
• We assume the dictionary meaning that relates to the verb "proscribe".

Concept / Approach:
"Proscriptive" is derived from the verb "proscribe", which means to forbid, especially by law or official order. Therefore, "proscriptive" describes something that imposes rules or restrictions, often by forbidding certain actions or usages. An example is "proscriptive grammar", which tells you what forms are wrong and must be avoided. A close synonym is "forbidding", meaning that something prohibits or strongly discourages behaviour. Words like "generous", "lavish" and "permissive" suggest the opposite direction, making them unsuitable as synonyms.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that "proscribe" means to forbid or ban officially. Step 2: Understand that "proscriptive" describes something that forbids or restricts, often through rules. Step 3: Look for an option that captures this sense of restriction or prohibition. "Forbidding" is the closest match. Step 4: Reject options that imply abundance, kindness or relaxed rules, as they do not align with the core idea of prohibition.

Verification / Alternative check:
Test the options in sample sentences. You might say, "The committee adopted a proscriptive policy on social media use." Replacing "proscriptive" with "forbidding" gives "a forbidding policy on social media use", which still suggests that the policy prohibits many actions. If we try "generous policy" or "lavish policy", the meaning changes completely. A "permissive policy" suggests freedom rather than restriction, which is closer to the opposite of "proscriptive". "Careless" describes a lack of attention or concern, not the strict control implied by "proscriptive". This experiment confirms that "forbidding" is the best synonym in this context.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
"Generous" describes someone who gives freely or is willing to share resources; it suggests kindness, not prohibition. "Lavish" refers to something rich, elaborate or abundant, again the opposite of restricting behaviour. "Careless" means not giving sufficient attention or thought to avoiding harm or errors, which does not match a word that suggests strict control. "Permissive" means allowing or tolerating a lot of freedom, especially in behaviour or social norms, and it is almost the direct opposite of "proscriptive". As a result, none of these capture the sense of forbidding or restrictive rules.

Common Pitfalls:
Students may confuse "proscriptive" with "prescriptive". While both relate to rules, "proscriptive" focuses on what is forbidden, whereas "prescriptive" focuses on what is recommended or required. Another pitfall is answering based on the emotional tone of the word rather than its precise meaning. "Forbidding" may sound negative, but that negativity is part of its meaning, which aligns well with "proscriptive". To strengthen vocabulary, always link new words with their root verbs and with a few clear example sentences so that you can retrieve both meaning and usage in the exam hall.

Final Answer:
The synonym of "proscriptive" is forbidding.