In the following question, choose the option that best expresses the meaning of the word “Conscientious.”

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Honest

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This vocabulary question focuses on the adjective “conscientious,” a word frequently used in professional, academic, and ethical discussions. It describes the quality of a person who takes great care to do what is right and to perform duties with seriousness and honesty. Recognising the meaning of this word helps in understanding descriptions of character and work ethic in reading passages.


Given Data / Assumptions:
The word given is “Conscientious.”
The options are “Concentrated,” “Honest,” “Scientific,” and “False.”
We assume the word is used in its common sense of describing a person or action guided by conscience and a sense of duty.


Concept / Approach:
“Conscientious” comes from the word “conscience,” which is our inner sense of right and wrong. A conscientious person is careful, responsible, and guided by a strong moral sense. Such a person is honest and diligent in performing tasks. Among the options provided, “Honest” captures the moral and upright aspect of “conscientious” better than the others. “Concentrated” describes mental focus, not moral quality. “Scientific” refers to something based on science or systematic study. “False” is directly negative and almost opposite to what “conscientious” implies.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the meaning of “conscientious”: careful, thorough, and governed by a sense of right and wrong. Step 2: Evaluate “Honest.” An honest person is truthful and upright, qualities strongly associated with conscience and responsibility. Step 3: Check “Concentrated.” This relates mainly to focus and attention, not to moral responsibility or duty. Step 4: Check “Scientific,” which relates to science and method, again not linked specifically to moral conscience. Step 5: Reject “False,” which suggests dishonesty and is clearly incompatible with the idea of being conscientious.


Verification / Alternative check:
Consider typical usage: “She is a conscientious worker” means she works carefully, responsibly, and honestly. If we replace “conscientious” with “honest” in many such sentences, the essential moral meaning is preserved, even though “conscientious” also suggests thoroughness. Replacing it with “concentrated” or “scientific” would change the sense completely. Another example: “He made a conscientious effort to correct his mistake.” Here, the effort is sincere and morally guided, which connects naturally with honesty and responsibility.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
“Concentrated” refers to focused attention or a strong solution in chemistry, not to moral character or duty.
“Scientific” describes things related to science, experiments, or systematic study, but does not convey honesty or moral care by itself.
“False” is the opposite of true or genuine and conflicts directly with the positive, upright nature of a conscientious person.


Common Pitfalls:
One pitfall is assuming that all complicated words must connect to academic or technical areas like science. Another is ignoring the root “conscience” inside “conscientious,” which clearly hints at morality. When dealing with vocabulary, noticing word roots can be very helpful: “conscience” leads to “conscientious,” just as “science” leads to “scientific.” Recognising this connection guides you toward meanings related to right and wrong rather than to study or concentration.


Final Answer:
The word “Conscientious” is best expressed by Honest, as it describes a person who acts with moral integrity and careful responsibility.

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