In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the word that is most similar in meaning to the given word. Morbid

Introduction / Context:
This question tests your understanding of the adjective "morbid", which often appears in discussions about health, psychology, and attitudes toward death and disease. A morbid interest is an unhealthy or abnormal fascination with unpleasant, especially gruesome, subjects. To choose the right synonym, you must match this dark, disturbing sense, not simply any strong or lively feeling.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Target word: "Morbid".
• Options: Ghastly, Animated, Buoyant, Jaunty.
• We assume standard dictionary meanings for all options.
• "Morbid" has both medical and psychological connotations, but in general usage it often refers to grim or gloomy attitudes.

Concept / Approach:
The word "morbid" can describe something relating to disease (as in "morbid anatomy") or, more commonly in general English, an unhealthy interest in disturbing topics such as death, accidents, or horror. The emotional tone is dark, grim, and unpleasant. Among the options, "ghastly" comes closest to this mood, as it means horrible, frightful, or shocking, often associated with death or ghosts. The other three options describe cheerful, lively, or upbeat qualities, which are the opposite of morbid.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that "morbid curiosity" refers to a fascination with ugly or gruesome details, such as accidents or crimes.Step 2: Check "ghastly". This word means shockingly frightful or dreadful, often suggesting horror or something deathlike in appearance.Step 3: Compare "morbid" and "ghastly": both are used in contexts involving death, horror, or sickness, making "ghastly" a strong synonym.Step 4: Examine "animated". It means full of life or energy, which is the direct opposite of morbid's gloomy tone.Step 5: Examine "buoyant" (cheerful, optimistic) and "jaunty" (lively and self confident). These are also positive, lively words and therefore cannot be synonyms of "morbid".

Verification / Alternative check:
Use the words in sample sentences: "He had a morbid fascination with horror movies" could be paraphrased as "He had a ghastly fascination with horror movies" in terms of emotional tone. On the other hand, "an animated conversation", "a buoyant mood", or "a jaunty hat" all evoke cheerful, energetic images, which clash with the sombre and disturbing meaning of "morbid". This contrast confirms that only "ghastly" fits as a synonym here.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B, "Animated", suggests energy and liveliness, used for characters, films, or conversations. Option C, "Buoyant", means cheerful, optimistic, or able to float, again a positive idea. Option D, "Jaunty", describes a lively, carefree style or manner. All three words convey brightness and energy, which is completely opposite to the dark, gloomy, or death related sense of "morbid". As a result, they cannot be considered synonyms in this context.

Common Pitfalls:
Some students may not know "morbid" well and might guess based on sound rather than meaning. Others might confuse it with "moribund", which specifically means near death or in terminal decline, but the emotional tone is similar. To avoid such errors, build associations: "morbid fascination", "morbid thoughts", and "ghastly scenes" all point to horror and gloom. This mental link helps you quickly discard positive, lively options in exam settings.

Final Answer:
The word most similar in meaning to "morbid" is Ghastly.