Odd-one-out (verbal reasoning) Which word does NOT belong with the others? Choose the single best answer.

Introduction / Context:
This item assesses semantic grouping. Four words convey growth, success, or healthy development. One word relates instead to arousal or stimulation and does not share the growth-success meaning. The goal is to identify the semantic outlier.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Options: excite, flourish, prosper, thrive, bloom
• All words are common English verbs used figuratively or literally.
• Exactly one option should break the shared meaning cluster.

Concept / Approach:
Determine the predominant shared sense among the majority. 'Flourish,' 'prosper,' 'thrive,' and 'bloom' all describe favorable growth or success. Compare the literal and figurative meanings of each candidate to verify the grouping.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Test substitution in a sentence about success: 'The startup will flourish/prosper/thrive/bloom next year' reads naturally, but 'The startup will excite next year' changes meaning. Semantic substitution confirms 'excite' as the mismatch.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Flourish: core meaning is successful growth.
• Prosper: success, especially economic.
• Thrive: vigorous growth or success.
• Bloom: literal flowering or figurative growth.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing 'excite' with 'excite growth' in scientific contexts. In everyday English, 'excite' primarily means to arouse or stimulate emotions, not to grow successfully. Focus on the dominant general-usage meanings, not niche technical senses.

Final Answer:
excite