VOCABULARY — Choose the best synonym (same meaning) of the highlighted word, based on the sentence. Sentence: “When the police questioned him, he gave a very INCOHERENT answer at first.”

Introduction / Context:
This vocabulary question asks for the closest synonym of the word “incoherent” as it is used in the sentence about police interrogation. In common usage, an incoherent answer is one that lacks logical connection, clarity, or comprehensibility, especially under stress or confusion. The aim is to identify the option whose meaning best aligns with “not logically connected; lacking clear reasoning.”

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The setting is a police questioning, where clarity and logical structure in answers are expected.
• “Incoherent” modifies “answer,” so the target word must describe reasoning or clarity of speech.
• We need a near-synonym that reflects illogical or disordered thinking rather than a different flaw such as off-topic content or emotional tone.

Concept / Approach:
“Incoherent” commonly means not logical, not clearly expressed, or difficult to follow. The strongest semantic overlap is with “irrational,” which means not based on reason or logic. “Inconsistent” can mean self-contradictory across statements but may still be coherent within each statement. “Irrelevant” means off-topic rather than illogical. “Irritating” describes a listener's feeling, not the structure of the answer.

Step-by-Step Solution:
1) Interpret “incoherent” in context: speech that is confused or not logically ordered.2) Compare meanings: irrational = not reasonable or logical; inconsistent = not in agreement across instances; irrelevant = not related to the question; irritating = causing annoyance.3) Select the closest logical synonym: “irrational.”4) Validate by substitution: “he gave a very irrational answer” preserves the idea of lack of logical sense under questioning.

Verification / Alternative check:
Dictionary paraphrases for “incoherent” often include “illogical,” “unintelligible,” or “confused.” Among the options, “irrational” best aligns with the “illogical” sense, especially for an answer given under pressure.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
B) “inconsistent” — relates to contradiction across statements, not necessarily a single confused answer.C) “irrelevant” — off-topic, which differs from not making sense.D) “irritating” — describes effect on the listener, not the logical quality.E) Not needed because a precise synonym exists.

Common Pitfalls:
Test-takers often conflate “incoherent” with “irrelevant.” Remember: incoherent = not logical or not understandable; irrelevant = not related to the question.

Final Answer:
irrational