In this vocabulary question, choose the word that is most similar in meaning to Haggard.

Introduction / Context:
This is another synonym-based vocabulary question. The word given is “Haggard”. You are asked to select the option that is closest in meaning to this adjective. Such questions are important because words like “haggard” often appear in reading comprehension passages to describe the physical or emotional state of characters.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Target word: “Haggard”.
• We will consider “haggard” in its common descriptive sense for a person’s appearance.
• Options (reconstructed for clarity and correctness): “Emaciated”, “Cheerful”, “Robust”, “Prosperous”.
• Only one option accurately captures the core meaning of “haggard”.

Concept / Approach:
“Haggard” is typically used to describe someone who looks extremely tired, worn out, and often very thin, usually because of worry, lack of sleep, illness or hardship. A good synonym must therefore convey the idea of being gaunt or wasted in appearance. We should eliminate any words that suggest positive energy, strength or wealth, because they are opposite to the sense of “haggard”.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the meaning of “haggard”. It means looking exhausted, thin, and unwell, as if one has suffered great mental or physical strain. Step 2: Examine “Emaciated”. This adjective means extremely thin and weak, especially because of illness or lack of food. It often describes someone who is gaunt and wasted. Step 3: Compare “haggard” and “emaciated”. Both words describe a person who looks physically worn and unhealthy, so they are very close in meaning. Step 4: Look at “Cheerful”. This refers to mood or temperament, meaning happy and optimistic. It does not describe physical appearance and is almost the opposite of the gloomy feeling associated with “haggard”. Step 5: Consider “Robust”. This means strong and healthy, often the direct opposite of how a haggard person looks. Step 6: Consider “Prosperous”. This refers to being financially successful or flourishing, which again does not match the sense of extreme tiredness or gaunt appearance. Step 7: Therefore, “Emaciated” is the closest synonym.

Verification / Alternative check:
Imagine a sentence: “After weeks of anxiety and sleepless nights, he looked haggard.” Replacing “haggard” with “emaciated” gives: “After weeks of anxiety and sleepless nights, he looked emaciated.” Both sentences paint a picture of someone whose face is drawn and whose body looks worn down. If you try “cheerful”, “robust” or “prosperous” in the same sentence, the meaning becomes contradictory, which confirms that they cannot be synonyms.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Cheerful: describes a happy emotional state, not a tired and worn physical appearance. Robust: means strong, energetic and healthy, almost the opposite of the weakness implied by “haggard”. Prosperous: refers to material success or wealth, not to how someone looks after stress or illness.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse “haggard” with “angry” or “wild” because it can also describe a wild expression, but the main idea is still that of exhaustion and strain. Another trap is choosing an unfamiliar word at random, hoping that a rare-looking option might be correct. Instead, you should rely on the core meaning of the given word and eliminate clearly positive or unrelated adjectives.

Final Answer:
The word that is most similar in meaning to “Haggard” is Emaciated.