In this vocabulary question on English synonyms, select the word that is closest in meaning to maestro, that is, a master or expert performer, especially a great musician or conductor.

Introduction / Context:
This question checks your understanding of English synonyms, especially words that are often used in contexts like music, art and performance. The word maestro is frequently seen in newspapers, concert reviews and exam passages. If you know that maestro is used for a master musician or a great artistic expert, you can quickly eliminate wrong answers and choose the correct synonym. Building a strong vocabulary is essential for exams such as SSC, banking and other government tests.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We need the synonym of maestro.
• Options: neophyte, catechumen, sophomore, conductor.
• Maestro is used for a highly skilled and respected expert, especially a music master or orchestra leader.
• Exactly one option should match that meaning closely.

Concept / Approach:
Maestro comes from Italian and literally means master. In English it refers to a great musician, especially an eminent composer, performer or the leader of an orchestra. Therefore we look for an option that names a person with mastery in music or leading a musical group. Neophyte, catechumen and sophomore describe people at early or intermediate stages of learning, not masters. Conductor is the only word that refers to the person who leads an orchestra or chorus and is often addressed as maestro in musical settings.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the meaning of maestro as an expert or master musician and artistic leader. Step 2: Check neophyte. It means a beginner or novice, exactly the opposite of a master. Step 3: Check catechumen. It means someone who is being instructed in the basic principles of a religion, again a learner, not an expert. Step 4: Check sophomore. It usually refers to a student in the second year of study, an intermediate level learner. Step 5: Check conductor. It refers to the person who directs an orchestra or choir and is often a maestro in music.

Verification / Alternative check:
Imagine a symphony concert. The person standing in front of the orchestra, guiding the musicians with a baton, is called the conductor and can be addressed as maestro. None of the other options fit this image. You would never call a neophyte or catechumen a maestro because they are still learning. A sophomore may have some experience but is not necessarily an artistic master. Only conductor regularly overlaps in meaning with maestro in musical contexts, which confirms the choice.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• neophyte: Means a beginner or novice in some field, the opposite of an experienced master.
• catechumen: Refers to a person receiving instruction in the basic doctrines of a religion, unrelated to mastery in music.
• sophomore: Indicates a second year student, not a top level expert or artistic leader.

Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to choose an unfamiliar word simply because it looks difficult. Many exam takers think that the toughest looking word must be the right answer. Here catechumen may attract such guesses, but it has no connection with music or mastery. Another mistake is to ignore context. Maestro is strongly connected with music and conducting. Whenever you see a vocabulary question, try to recall where you have seen the word used in real contexts like news, movies or books. That habit makes these questions much easier.

Final Answer:
The correct synonym of maestro is conductor, because both words can refer to a highly skilled music professional who leads an orchestra or musical performance.