In the following question, out of the given four alternatives, select the one which best expresses the meaning of the given word "Multitude".

Introduction / Context:
This vocabulary question asks you to choose a synonym for the word "multitude". Words like this often appear in reading comprehension passages, editorial articles, and descriptive writing. Knowing the meaning helps you understand references to large numbers of people, objects, or ideas.

Given Data / Assumptions:

The target word is "multitude".
We assume the common meaning: a large number of people or things, sometimes even a crowd.
The options given are scarcity, minority, mass, radiant, and solitude.

Concept / Approach:
"Multitude" is used to describe a very large number or quantity, often of people: a multitude of fans, a multitude of problems. The closest simple synonym among the options is "mass", which can refer to a large collection or a great number of things or people. Scarcity and minority indicate small numbers, radiant refers to brightness, and solitude refers to being alone. Thus, only "mass" matches the sense of "multitude".

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Restate "multitude" as "a very large number or crowd". Step 2: Option C "Mass" can be used to describe a large number or quantity, as in "a mass of people" or "mass of evidence". Step 3: Option A "Scarcity" is almost the opposite, meaning a shortage or lack of something. Step 4: Option B "Minority" refers to a smaller part of a whole, again suggesting few, not many. Step 5: Option D "Radiant" describes light, brightness, or joy, and has no numerical meaning. Step 6: Option E "Solitude" describes the state of being alone and is unrelated to large numbers.

Verification / Alternative check:
Consider example usage: "A multitude of students gathered in the stadium." If we replace "multitude" with "mass", we get "A mass of students gathered in the stadium", which still conveys the idea of many students. Replacing it with "scarcity" or "minority" would reverse the meaning, and "radiant" or "solitude" would make the sentence meaningless. This confirms that "mass" is the best synonym among the given choices.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A Scarcity refers to shortage or limited quantity, the opposite of a large number.
Option B Minority refers to a smaller group compared to a majority, and therefore does not match the idea of a very large number.
Option D Radiant is about brightness or glowing and does not relate to quantity at all.
Option E Solitude is the state of being alone, which implies absence of a crowd, not presence of a multitude.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners may associate "multitude" with feelings or brightness because it can appear in poetic contexts, but its core meaning is numerical: a large number. When dealing with synonym questions, focus on the main dictionary meaning first. If the primary sense is about quantity, remove options that relate to quality, light, or emotions. This strategy will consistently guide you toward correct matches like "mass".

Final Answer:
The word that best expresses the meaning of "multitude" is "Mass".