English Vocabulary — Synonyms (closest meaning) Choose the single word that is CLOSEST in meaning to the highlighted word in the sentence below. Sentence: We should always try to maintain and promote communal amity. Target word: amity

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: friendship

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
“Amity” is a formal noun used in civics and social-discourse contexts to denote peaceful and friendly relations, especially between groups or communities. In the sentence, “communal amity” refers to harmony across communities.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Target noun: amity.
  • Domain: social harmony across communities.
  • We must select one best synonym.


Concept / Approach:

“Amity” most directly aligns with “friendship,” meaning cordial relations and goodwill. While “understanding” is positive, it is more about comprehension or mutual appreciation, not the established state of friendly relations. “Bondage” implies captivity; “contention” means conflict; “discord” means disagreement—each is semantically opposite or unrelated to “amity.”



Step-by-Step Solution:

1) Define amity: friendly, harmonious relations.2) Compare options on the harmony–conflict axis.3) Choose “friendship” to preserve the idea of cordial ties.4) Discard antonyms or off-domain words (contention, discord, bondage).5) Keep “understanding” as a plausible but weaker distractor.


Verification / Alternative check:

Substitute: “promote communal friendship” keeps the intended meaning of fostering harmony among communities.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:

bondage: Captivity; irrelevant to social harmony.contention: Active dispute; opposite of harmony.understanding: Positive but not identical to “amity.”discord: Disharmony; opposite of amity.


Common Pitfalls:

Equating “amity” with “tolerance.” Amity is stronger: it implies warmth and friendship, not mere forbearance.



Final Answer:

friendship

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