Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Trash
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This vocabulary question asks you to select the word that is closest in meaning to “litter”. Such synonym questions are common in competitive examinations and help to test your understanding of nuanced word meanings in English. Knowing the exact sense of “litter” in everyday language will guide you to the correct option, while eliminating those that are associated with entirely different ideas like organization or ownership.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Given word: “Litter”.
- Options: Trash, Order, Possess, System.
- We are asked to choose the word similar in meaning, that is, a near synonym.
- We assume the common modern meaning of “litter” related to rubbish and untidiness.
Concept / Approach:
The word “litter” in everyday English most often refers to rubbish that has been thrown in public places, making them dirty. For example, “There is litter on the street.” While “litter” also has other meanings in specific contexts (such as a litter of puppies), exam questions usually focus on the most frequent and relevant sense. To choose the correct synonym, you must match this meaning with the option that also refers to rubbish or waste material scattered about carelessly.
Step-by-Step Solution:
1. Recall the primary meaning of “litter” as scattered rubbish or waste.
2. Examine each option carefully:
- Trash: unwanted waste material or rubbish.
- Order: a state in which everything is arranged properly.
- Possess: to own something.
- System: a set of connected things forming a complex whole.
3. Compare meanings: only “Trash” directly corresponds to rubbish or waste.
4. Confirm that “litter” and “trash” can often be used in similar contexts, such as “Pick up the litter” or “Pick up the trash”.
Verification / Alternative check:
Think of sample sentences: “The park was full of litter” can be rephrased as “The park was full of trash.” The meaning remains the same, which shows a strong synonym relationship. On the other hand, replacing “litter” with “order”, “possess”, or “system” creates incorrect or unnatural sentences, confirming that these options do not share the same meaning.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- Order: Refers to neatness or arrangement, which is the opposite of an area full of litter.
- Possess: Means to own something and is a verb, not a noun describing waste.
- System: Refers to an organized set or structure and has no connection with rubbish.
Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to focus on the emotional tone of the word rather than its precise definition. Some students may also confuse “litter” with more unusual meanings, such as a type of carrying bed or a group of newborn animals, but the presence of options like “Trash” indicates that the rubbish meaning is tested. Always check which sense of the word matches the options given and select the one that can be swapped into many typical sentences without changing the basic idea.
Final Answer:
The word similar in meaning to “Litter” is Trash.
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