In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the word that is similar in meaning (synonym) to the given word: Lethargy.

Introduction / Context:
Synonym questions measure how well you understand the meanings and shades of emotional words in English. The word lethargy is often used to describe a state of low energy, sleepiness or sluggishness. Your goal is to select the option that most closely expresses this idea, even if the part of speech is slightly different. Understanding such words is important for reading comprehension and for accurately describing states of mind and body.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Target word: Lethargy.
• Options: Activity, Drowsy, Modest, Pleasure.
• Lethargy is a noun; some options are adjectives or nouns.
• We aim for closest similarity in overall meaning, not necessarily identical grammar category.

Concept / Approach:
Lethargy refers to a condition of unusual tiredness, drowsiness or lack of energy. It describes a slow, sleepy, unmotivated state. The adjective drowsy describes a person who is sleepy or half asleep, which is very close in sense to someone experiencing lethargy. Activity is almost the opposite, suggesting energetic movement; modest refers to being humble or not bragging; pleasure is enjoyment or satisfaction. Among the given options, drowsy is clearly the nearest in meaning.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Define lethargy. It is a noun describing a state of listlessness, low energy and sleepiness, often making it hard to take action. Step 2: Check Activity. Activity means being busy, moving or doing things. This is the opposite of lethargy, so it cannot be the synonym. Step 3: Check Drowsy. Drowsy is an adjective that describes someone who feels sleepy and slow, which closely matches the typical symptoms of lethargy. Step 4: Check Modest. Modest relates to humility or moderation, particularly in behaviour or dress, and has nothing to do with energy levels. Step 5: Check Pleasure. Pleasure is a feeling of enjoyment or satisfaction and is not directly connected to being energetic or sluggish. Step 6: Therefore, Drowsy is the best available synonym for lethargy among the options.

Verification / Alternative check:
Consider example sentences: After the heavy lunch, he was overcome by lethargy can be paraphrased as After the heavy lunch, he felt very drowsy. The emotional and physical states described are nearly identical. You cannot naturally replace lethargy with activity, modest or pleasure in such a sentence. This substitution test confirms that drowsy is the closest in meaning, even though one is a noun and the other is an adjective.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Activity describes energetic movement and engagement, which is what someone with lethargy lacks; it is more like an antonym.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes get distracted by part of speech and hesitate to pick an adjective like drowsy for a noun like lethargy. In many exam questions, however, the focus is on semantic similarity, and minor grammatical differences are ignored. When in doubt, first match meanings and typical usage, and only then check whether the grammar can reasonably be adjusted in context. In this case, lethargy and drowsy both point to sleepiness and low energy, so they are clearly related enough for a synonym question.

Final Answer:
The word similar in meaning to Lethargy is Drowsy, representing a sleepy, low energy state.