In this English vocabulary question on synonyms, select the word that is closest in meaning to "gregarious", a term often used to describe social and outgoing people.

Introduction / Context:
Synonym questions assess your depth of vocabulary and your ability to match a given word with another that has a very similar meaning. The word "gregarious" is commonly used in descriptions of personality, particularly in psychology, literature, and everyday conversation. Choosing the correct synonym helps you both understand and write character descriptions more accurately.

Given Data / Assumptions:
• The target word is "gregarious". • You must pick the synonym, that is, the closest meaning. • The options are "introvert", "melancholy", "affable", and "pensive". • Exactly one option should capture the idea of a sociable and friendly person.

Concept / Approach:
"Gregarious" describes someone who enjoys the company of others, likes being in groups, and is fond of social interaction. It is linked with being sociable and outgoing. "Affable" means friendly, pleasant, and easy to talk to, which aligns closely with this meaning. The other options describe very different emotional or personality states. A solid approach is to restate the key idea of the target word in simple terms and then look for the option that expresses the same idea, not just a vaguely positive or negative feeling.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Paraphrase "gregarious" as "sociable, fond of company, and enjoying being with people". Step 2: Examine "affable". It means friendly, warm, and easy to approach, which fits well with someone who enjoys social interaction. Step 3: Check "introvert". An introvert is a shy or reserved person who tends to be more inward focused and less socially outgoing, so this is actually closer to an opposite concept. Step 4: Consider "melancholy", which refers to sadness or a deeply thoughtful sadness; it does not convey sociability. Step 5: Look at "pensive", which describes a person who is deeply or seriously thoughtful, often quiet, and again not especially outgoing. Therefore, "affable" is the best synonym.

Verification / Alternative check:
Imagine two sentences. First: "He is a gregarious host who talks to everyone at the party." Second: "He is an affable host who talks to everyone at the party." The sense remains the same in both sentences, confirming that the words are close in meaning. Now compare with "introvert" or "melancholy"; replacing "gregarious" with these words would create a very different impression and even contradict the intended idea of someone who likes company.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
"Introvert" refers to a personality type that is reserved and prefers solitude or small, quiet groups. This is contrary to gregarious behaviour. "Melancholy" describes a state of sadness or depression, which is about mood, not sociability. "Pensive" suggests quiet, serious, or deep thoughtfulness. While it can be a positive quality, it does not indicate being outgoing or sociable.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse "gregarious" with "generous" or assume it relates to generosity or wealth because of the sound of the word. Others may think any positive sounding word qualifies as a synonym. To avoid such confusions, focus on the core meaning and mental image associated with each term. Regular reading of good quality English text where such personality adjectives appear in context will help you remember their nuances more securely.

Final Answer:
The correct synonym of "gregarious" is affable.