Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Aid
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This vocabulary question asks you to select the option that best matches the meaning of the word “sustenance.” Such words often appear in reading comprehension and general awareness passages. Understanding “sustenance” is important because it is commonly used in contexts related to food, support, survival, and livelihood.
Given Data / Assumptions:
We are given the single word “Sustenance” and four options: “Extras,” “Injury,” “Aid,” and “Blockage.”
No sentence is given, so we rely on the general dictionary meaning and usual usage of the word.
We assume standard modern English usage as in newspapers and textbooks.
Concept / Approach:
“Sustenance” refers to something that keeps a person, animal, or organisation alive or in existence. It often means food and drink regarded as a source of strength, or more broadly, support and aid required for survival. Among the options, “Aid” is the closest in meaning because it refers to help, support, or assistance that allows someone or something to continue. “Extras,” “Injury,” and “Blockage” have unrelated meanings and cannot be considered synonyms for “sustenance.”
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the general meaning of “sustenance.” It is what sustains life, such as nourishment or support.
Step 2: Compare each option with this idea. “Aid” means help or support, which is very close to the idea of sustaining someone.
Step 3: Consider “Extras,” which refers to additional things that are not essential, clearly different from basic sustenance.
Step 4: Consider “Injury,” which means harm or damage, and “Blockage,” which means an obstruction; both are negative and opposite to the idea of support.
Step 5: Conclude that “Aid” is the best synonym in this list.
Verification / Alternative check:
We can verify by using “sustenance” in sample sentences. For example, “Farmers rely on the land for sustenance” means they depend on it for their livelihood and food. Another sentence could be “The charity provides sustenance for the homeless,” meaning it offers food and support. In both examples, we can mentally replace “sustenance” with “aid” or “support” and the sentences still make sense. Replacing it with “extras,” “injury,” or “blockage” would break the meaning completely. This confirms that “Aid” is the appropriate choice.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
“Extras” refers to additional non essential items, the opposite of the basic support implied by “sustenance.”
“Injury” means harm or damage, which acts against survival and support rather than sustaining it.
“Blockage” is an obstruction that prevents flow or progress and does not match the supportive meaning of “sustenance.”
Common Pitfalls:
Sometimes learners confuse “sustenance” with “substance” because they look and sound somewhat similar. However, “substance” has a broader meaning that includes material, matter, or even the main content of an argument. Another pitfall is choosing an option because it feels sophisticated without checking meaning. In vocabulary questions, always think of example sentences and see whether the replacement still works.
Final Answer:
The word “Sustenance” is best expressed by Aid, as both convey the idea of support or means of living.
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