Which pair of English words in the list has similar meanings (that is, they are close synonyms)?

Introduction / Context:
This vocabulary question asks you to identify a pair of English words that are similar in meaning. In many competitive exams, you are tested on your ability to distinguish synonyms from antonyms. Here, three options are deliberate opposites, while only one pair consists of near synonyms. Recognising that pattern makes the task easier.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Option A relegate and downgrade both relate to moving something to a lower position or status.
• Option B beautiful and ugly are opposites in meaning, describing attractiveness.
• Option C qualm and confidence are also opposite, because qualm means doubt and confidence means strong belief.
• Option D generic and branded contrast a non brand specific item with one tied to a specific brand.

Concept / Approach:
To solve this, we briefly recall the meaning of each word. Relegate means to move someone or something to a lower rank, position, or category. Downgrade means to reduce in importance or rank, as when a rating or status is lowered. These verbs clearly share a similar idea. By contrast, the other three pairs clearly oppose each other. Beautiful is pleasing to the senses; ugly is unpleasant to look at. A qualm is a feeling of uneasiness or doubt; confidence is a feeling of certainty. Generic products do not have a specific brand identity, while branded products carry a known brand name. Therefore, the only pair with similar meaning is relegate and downgrade.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Define relegate as to assign to a lower position or to demote.Step 2: Define downgrade as to reduce the importance, status, or quality rating of something.Step 3: Compare these two definitions and see that both involve moving something down in status, so they function as near synonyms.Step 4: Define beautiful as very pleasing in appearance and ugly as very unpleasant to look at, which clearly makes them opposites.Step 5: Define qualm as a doubt or misgiving and confidence as firm belief and assurance, again opposites, and note that generic and branded are a similar contrast, leaving only option A as a synonym pair.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can test the pair by substituting one word for the other in a sentence. For instance, The team was relegated to a lower division after the poor season can be rephrased as The team was downgraded to a lower division. In both cases the sense of being moved down remains. Trying the same for the other pairs does not work. A beautiful view cannot be replaced with an ugly view without reversing the meaning. A qualm about a decision cannot be replaced with confidence without changing the sense entirely. This substitution test supports the conclusion that only relegate and downgrade share similar meaning.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Beautiful and ugly are standard antonyms in English. Qualm and confidence are opposites in emotional state, doubt versus assurance. Generic and branded are often contrasted in discussions about marketing and consumer goods, making them antonyms rather than synonyms. Therefore, options B, C, and D do not satisfy the requirement of similar meaning.

Common Pitfalls:
Some students rush and do not notice that the question asks for similar meanings, not opposite meanings, and they may pick a familiar pair like beautiful and ugly. Another pitfall is not knowing the meaning of relegate and assuming it is unrelated to downgrade. Learning common prefix and root patterns such as de, re, and grade can help you connect such words more quickly. Always read the question carefully and check whether you are being asked about synonyms or antonyms.

Final Answer:
The pair with similar meaning is Relegate - Downgrade, so option A is correct.