Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: ABUSE
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This question tests your understanding of the word "revile", which often appears in newspapers, literature and exam passages. It is especially important in contexts where people speak harshly about others, for example in politics, social media, or criticism. You must select the option that is closest in meaning to "revile". Notice that several options look similar in spelling (revive, review, reveal), so this also tests your ability to distinguish words that share prefixes but have very different meanings.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
"Revile" means to speak about someone or something in an abusive, angry or insulting way. It implies strong verbal attacks and harsh criticism. The correct synonym should carry the idea of verbally abusing or insulting. Many of the options are distractors whose meanings are totally different but look similar because they begin with "re-". The safest approach is to recall or check the precise meaning of each option before deciding.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the meaning of "revile": to criticise in an abusive or insulting manner, often using harsh language.
Step 2: Consider "REVIVE": this means to bring back to life, energy or consciousness, for example reviving a patient or reviving an old custom. It has nothing to do with verbal abuse.
Step 3: Consider "REVIEW": this means to examine, assess or look over something again, such as reviewing a book or reviewing one's notes. Again, there is no sense of insult.
Step 4: Consider "ABUSE": this can be a noun or verb meaning cruel, insulting or violent treatment, especially in words or actions. Verbal abuse exactly matches the idea of reviling someone.
Step 5: Consider "REVEAL": this means to make known or show something that was hidden, as in revealing a secret. It involves disclosure, not insult.
Step 6: Among the four options, only "ABUSE" carries the sense of harsh, insulting speech and therefore matches "revile".
Verification / Alternative check:
A dictionary definition of "revile" is "to assail with contemptuous or opprobrious language; to address or speak of abusively." Common example sentences include "He was reviled by the press for his remarks." If we replace "reviled" with "abused verbally", the meaning remains essentially the same. Trying to replace it with "revived", "reviewed" or "revealed" completely changes the meaning of such sentences, confirming that "ABUSE" is the only correct synonym here.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Common Pitfalls:
The main trap in this question is visual similarity. Many exam-takers quickly assume that similar-looking words have similar meanings. However, in English, the prefix "re-" can be attached to many roots with completely different meanings. To avoid such mistakes, always focus on the root meaning of the word and recall example sentences where you have seen it used. For "revile", thinking of "verbal abuse" is a helpful memory link.
Final Answer:
The word that best expresses the meaning of "REVILE" is ABUSE.
Discussion & Comments