← MES Jr. Grade
Past Questions
Choose the correct one-word substitute and use it in a sentence: One who has long experience of any occupation.
A)
Amateur
B)
Veteran
The question asks for a one-word substitute for 'one who has long experience of any occupation'.
1. **Analysis of Option (b) Veteran**: A 'veteran' is defined as a person who has had long experience in a particular field, occupation, or activity. While often associated with military service, the term is widely used in professional contexts (e.g., 'a veteran journalist' or 'a veteran teacher') to denote expertise gained through years of practice.
2. **Analysis of Option (a) Amateur**: An 'amateur' is a person who engages in a pursuit, especially a sport, on an unpaid rather than a professional basis, or someone who is inexperienced/unskilled in a particular activity. This is the opposite of the required definition.
**Sentence Usage**: 'The company hired a veteran software engineer to lead the new project because of his twenty years of experience in the industry.'
Choose the correct antonym of the word: defective
A)
functional
B)
integral
C)
positive
D)
negative
Step 1: Analyze the target word. 'Defective' means imperfect, faulty, or not working correctly due to a flaw (e.g., a defective piece of machinery).
Step 2: Identify the goal. We are looking for an antonym (a word with the opposite meaning). The opposite of something that is faulty or broken is something that works correctly.
Step 3: Evaluate the options:
- (a) 'functional': This means working or operating in a proper or intended way. This is the direct opposite of 'defective'.
- (b) 'integral': This means necessary to make a whole complete; essential. While a defective part might not be integral, the word itself does not mean 'working correctly'.
- (c) 'positive': This refers to a constructive attitude or a mathematical value greater than zero. It is not the opposite of 'defective'.
- (d) 'negative': This refers to a lack of something or a pessimistic outlook. In some contexts, 'defective' has a negative connotation, but 'negative' is not its antonym.
Conclusion: 'Functional' is the most accurate antonym for 'defective'.
Choose the correct synonym of the word: mitigate
A)
deviate
B)
elevate
C)
alleviate
D)
delegate
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. **Analyze the target word**: 'Mitigate' means to make something bad (such as a pain, a problem, or a severity) less severe, serious, or painful.
2. **Evaluate Option (a) 'deviate'**: To deviate means to depart from an established course or standard. This is unrelated to reducing severity.
3. **Evaluate Option (b) 'elevate'**: To elevate means to raise or lift something up to a higher position. This is not a synonym for mitigate.
4. **Evaluate Option (c) 'alleviate'**: To alleviate means to make (suffering, deficiency, or a problem) less severe. This is a direct synonym for 'mitigate'.
5. **Evaluate Option (d) 'delegate'**: To delegate means to entrust a task or responsibility to another person. This is unrelated to reducing severity.
Conclusion: 'Alleviate' is the only word that matches the meaning of 'mitigate'.
Choose the correct one-word substitute and use it in a sentence: One who sneers at the aims and beliefs of his fellowmen.
A)
Cynic
B)
Novice
Step 1: Analyze the definition provided: 'One who sneers at the aims and beliefs of his fellowmen.' This describes a person who believes that people are motivated purely by self-interest and often expresses a mocking or pessimistic view of human sincerity and virtue.
Step 2: Evaluate Option (a) 'Cynic'. A cynic is defined as a person who believes that people are motivated by self-interest; they are characterized by skepticism and a tendency to sneer at the perceived idealism or sincerity of others. This matches the definition perfectly.
Step 3: Evaluate Option (b) 'Novice'. A novice is a person new to and inexperienced in a job or situation (a beginner). This does not relate to sneering at beliefs or aims.
Step 4: Conclusion. Option (a) is the correct one-word substitute.
Example Sentence: 'Despite the team's genuine enthusiasm for the new project, the office cynic dismissed it as just another corporate ploy to increase productivity.'
Choose the correct synonym of the word: perceive
A)
concern
B)
assert
C)
deceive
D)
discern
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. **Analyze the target word**: 'Perceive' means to become aware of something through the senses (especially sight), to recognize, or to understand/interpret something in a particular way.
2. **Evaluate Option (a) 'concern'**: This means to relate to, be about, or to worry. It is not a synonym for perceive.
3. **Evaluate Option (b) 'assert'**: This means to state a fact or belief confidently and forcefully. It relates to speaking or claiming, not perceiving.
4. **Evaluate Option (c) 'deceive'**: This means to deliberately cause someone to believe something that is not true. This is an act of misleading, which is unrelated to the act of perceiving.
5. **Evaluate Option (d) 'discern'**: This means to perceive or recognize something, especially something that is not immediately obvious. Both 'perceive' and 'discern' involve the mental or sensory act of recognizing or detecting something.
Conclusion: 'Discern' is the closest synonym to 'perceive'.
Choose the correct synonym of the word: robust
A)
strong
B)
long
C)
high
D)
low
The word 'robust' is an adjective used to describe something that is sturdy, healthy, or strong in construction.
1. Analysis of the target word: 'Robust' comes from the Latin 'robustus' (meaning 'made of oak'), which implies strength and durability. In a physical sense, it means strong and healthy; in a technical or systemic sense, it means able to withstand adverse conditions.
2. Evaluating the options:
- (a) strong: This is a direct synonym. Both 'robust' and 'strong' describe the capacity to withstand pressure or stress.
- (b) long: This refers to length or duration, which is unrelated to strength.
- (c) high: This refers to vertical distance or intensity, which is unrelated to robustness.
- (d) low: This refers to a small amount or low position, which is the opposite of high and unrelated to strength.
Therefore, 'strong' is the only correct synonym among the given choices.
Choose the correct one-word substitute and use it in a sentence: A leader of people who sways his followers by his oratory.
A)
Demagogue
B)
Polyglot
Step 1: Analyze the definition provided in the question. The phrase 'A leader of people who sways his followers by his oratory' refers to someone who gains power or influence by appealing to the desires and prejudices of ordinary people rather than by using rational argument.
Step 2: Evaluate Option (a) 'Demagogue'. A demagogue is defined as a political leader who seeks support by appealing to the desires and prejudices of ordinary people, often using emotive and inflammatory oratory. This matches the definition perfectly.
Step 3: Evaluate Option (b) 'Polyglot'. A polyglot is a person who knows and is able to use several languages. This has no relation to leadership or oratory skills used to sway followers.
Step 4: Formulate a sentence for the correct word. Example: 'The politician was accused of being a demagogue, using fear-mongering speeches to manipulate the crowd.'
Choose the correct one-word substitute and use it in a sentence: A critical judge of any art or craft.
A)
Connoisseur
B)
Cynosure
Step 1: Analyze the definition provided in the question: 'A critical judge of any art or craft.' This refers to someone who has expert knowledge and a refined taste in the fine arts, cuisines, or other specialized fields.
Step 2: Evaluate Option (a) 'Connoisseur'. A connoisseur is defined as an expert judge in matters of taste, particularly in the fine arts (e.g., a connoisseur of opera or a connoisseur of fine wines). This matches the definition perfectly.
Step 3: Evaluate Option (b) 'Cynosure'. A cynosure is something or someone that is the center of attention or admiration (e.g., 'The bride was the cynosure of all eyes'). This does not relate to critical judgment of art or craft.
Step 4: Conclusion. Option (a) is the correct one-word substitute.
Example sentence: 'As a connoisseur of classical music, he could identify the composer after hearing only a few bars of the symphony.'
Choose the correct one-word substitute and use it in a sentence: One who leads an austere life.
A)
Ascetic
B)
Apostate
Step 1: Analyze the definition provided in the question. 'One who leads an austere life' refers to a person who practices severe self-discipline and abstains from all forms of indulgence, typically for religious or spiritual reasons.
Step 2: Evaluate Option (a) 'Ascetic'. An ascetic is defined as a person who practices severe self-denial as a measure of spiritual discipline. This perfectly matches the definition of leading an 'austere' life.
Step 3: Evaluate Option (b) 'Apostate'. An apostate is a person who renounces a religious or political belief or principle. This refers to the act of abandonment of faith, not the lifestyle of austerity.
Step 4: Conclusion. Option (a) is the correct one-word substitute.
Example sentence: 'The monk lived as an ascetic in the mountains, owning nothing but a simple robe and a bowl.'
Choose the correct antonym of the word: inaccurate
A)
precise
B)
exercise
C)
excise
D)
exhort
Step 1: Analyze the target word. 'Inaccurate' means not accurate, containing mistakes, or not precise (e.g., an inaccurate measurement).
Step 2: Identify the requirement. The question asks for an 'antonym', which is a word with the opposite meaning. The opposite of 'not accurate' is 'accurate' or 'exact'.
Step 3: Evaluate the options:
- (a) 'precise': Means marked by exactness and accuracy of expression or detail. This is the direct opposite of inaccurate.
- (b) 'exercise': Refers to physical activity or the application of a faculty/right. It is unrelated to accuracy.
- (c) 'excise': Means to cut out surgically or a tax levied on certain goods. It is unrelated to accuracy.
- (d) 'exhort': Means to strongly encourage or urge someone to do something. It is unrelated to accuracy.
Step 4: Conclusion. Since 'precise' is the only word that represents the opposite of 'inaccurate', it is the correct antonym.
Choose the correct antonym of the word: immobile
A)
mobile
B)
gentle
C)
genteel
D)
mopped
Step 1: Analyze the target word. 'Immobile' is an adjective meaning not moving, fixed, or unable to move. The prefix 'im-' acts as a negation of 'mobile'.
Step 2: Identify the goal. The question asks for an 'antonym', which is a word with the opposite meaning.
Step 3: Evaluate the options:
- (a) 'mobile': This means able to move or be moved freely. This is the direct opposite of immobile.
- (b) 'gentle': This means mild in temperament or behavior; it is unrelated to movement.
- (c) 'genteel': This means polite, refined, or respectable, often in an affected way; it is unrelated to movement.
- (d) 'mopped': This is the past tense of the verb 'mop' (to clean a floor); it is unrelated to movement.
Step 4: Conclusion. Since 'mobile' is the direct opposite of 'immobile', option (a) is the correct antonym.
Choose the correct antonym of the word: isolated
A)
integrated
B)
polluted
C)
dusted
D)
gusted
Step 1: Analyze the target word. 'Isolated' means far away from other places, buildings, or people; remote; or separated from others.
Step 2: Identify the requirement. The question asks for an 'antonym', which is a word with the opposite meaning. The opposite of being separated or remote is being combined, connected, or unified.
Step 3: Evaluate the options:
- (a) 'integrated': This means with various parts or aspects linked or coordinated. It is the direct opposite of being isolated or separated.
- (b) 'polluted': This refers to contamination (e.g., air or water pollution) and has no semantic relationship to isolation.
- (c) 'dusted': This refers to removing dust or sprinkling powder; it is unrelated to isolation.
- (d) 'gusted': This refers to a sudden strong rush of wind; it is unrelated to isolation.
Step 4: Conclusion. 'Integrated' is the only word that provides the opposite meaning to 'isolated'.
Choose the correct one-word substitute and use it in a sentence: Official formality resulting in excessive delay.
A)
Referendum
B)
Red-tapism
The term 'Red-tapism' refers to excessive adherence to official rules and formalities, which typically results in slow progress or delays in administrative processes. The term originates from the historical practice of binding official legal and government documents with red tape.
Analysis of options:
- Option (a) 'Referendum' refers to a general vote by the electorate on a single political question which has been referred to them for a direct decision. It has nothing to do with administrative delays.
- Option (b) 'Red-tapism' perfectly matches the definition of official formality resulting in excessive delay.
Example sentence: 'The project was delayed for months due to the red-tapism prevalent in the government departments.'
Choose the correct one-word substitute and use it in a sentence: One who hates marriage.
A)
Misologist
B)
Misogamist
The question asks for a one-word substitute for 'one who hates marriage'.
1. **Analysis of Option (b) Misogamist**: This word is derived from the Greek roots 'miso-' (meaning hatred) and 'gamos' (meaning marriage). Therefore, a misogamist is someone who hates or dislikes marriage.
2. **Analysis of Option (a) Misologist**: This word is derived from 'miso-' (hatred) and 'logos' (reason, word, or study). A misologist is someone who hates reason, logic, or enlightenment.
3. **Sentence Usage**: 'Despite being a romantic at heart, he remained a misogamist, fearing that the legal bonds of marriage would stifle his freedom.'
Since option (b) directly matches the definition provided in the question, it is the correct choice.
Choose the correct one-word substitute and use it in a sentence: One who talks continuously.
A)
Loquacious
B)
Iconoclast
Step 1: Analyze the definition provided in the question: 'One who talks continuously.'
Step 2: Evaluate Option (a) 'Loquacious'. The word 'loquacious' is derived from the Latin 'loqui' (to speak). It is an adjective used to describe a person who tends to talk a great deal; talkative.
Step 3: Evaluate Option (b) 'Iconoclast'. An 'iconoclast' is a person who attacks settled beliefs or institutions, or someone who destroys religious images. This does not relate to talking continuously.
Step 4: Conclusion: Option (a) is the correct one-word substitute.
Example sentence: 'The loquacious tour guide provided so many details that the group fell behind schedule.'
Choose the correct antonym of the word: static
A)
dynamic
B)
ceramic
C)
dyslectic
D)
drastic
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. **Analyze the target word**: 'Static' refers to something that is lacking in movement, action, or change; it is characterized by stability or being stationary (e.g., static electricity or a static image).
2. **Identify the requirement**: The question asks for an 'antonym', which is a word with the opposite meaning.
3. **Evaluate the options**:
- **a. dynamic**: This word refers to something characterized by constant change, activity, or progress. It is the direct opposite of static.
- **b. ceramic**: This refers to pots or other articles made from clay hardened by heat. It is a material noun and unrelated to the state of movement/change.
- **c. dyslectic**: This relates to dyslexia (a learning disorder affecting reading). It is completely unrelated to the target word.
- **d. drastic**: This refers to something likely to have a strong or sudden effect; extreme. While it implies change, it describes the intensity of the change rather than the state of being active/changing versus stationary.
4. **Conclusion**: 'Dynamic' is the precise antonym for 'static'.
Choose the correct synonym of the word: elucidate
A)
clarify
B)
nullify
C)
reject
D)
subject
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. **Analyze the target word**: 'Elucidate' is a verb derived from the Latin 'lucidus' (clear). It means to make something clear, to explain, or to throw light upon a complex subject to make it easier to understand.
2. **Evaluate Option (a) 'clarify'**: To clarify means to make a statement or situation less confused and more clearly comprehensible. This is a direct synonym of 'elucidate'.
3. **Evaluate Option (b) 'nullify'**: To nullify means to make legally null and void or to invalidate. This is unrelated to explaining or clarifying.
4. **Evaluate Option (c) 'reject'**: To reject means to dismiss or refuse to accept. This is not a synonym for explaining.
5. **Evaluate Option (d) 'subject'**: As a verb, 'subject' means to cause or force to undergo. As a noun, it refers to a topic. Neither usage matches the meaning of 'elucidate'.
Conclusion: 'Clarify' is the only word that matches the meaning of 'elucidate'.
There was a(n) ________ amount of alcoholic drinks at the party.
A)
susurrus
B)
extenuating
C)
mounting
D)
copious
The sentence requires an adjective to describe the 'amount of alcoholic drinks.'
1. **Copious (Correct):** This adjective means 'abundant in supply' or 'plentiful.' It is the most appropriate word to describe a large quantity of drinks at a party.
2. **Susurrus (Incorrect):** This is a noun meaning a whispering, murmuring, or rustling sound. It cannot be used as an adjective to describe an amount.
3. **Extenuating (Incorrect):** This adjective is typically used in the phrase 'extenuating circumstances,' meaning factors that make a mistake or crime seem less serious. It does not fit the context of quantity.
4. **Mounting (Incorrect):** While 'mounting' means increasing in amount or intensity (e.g., 'mounting pressure'), it describes a process of growth rather than a static state of abundance. 'Copious' is the standard colocation for describing a large quantity of food or drink available at an event.
The boxer was down for the count after the punch landed on him by his opponent.
A)
Feeling hungry
B)
Extremely energetic
C)
Feeling motivated
D)
Defeated and finished
The phrase 'down for the count' is an idiom derived from boxing. In a boxing match, when a fighter is knocked down, the referee counts to ten; if the fighter cannot stand up by the count of ten, they are declared the loser (a knockout). In a broader sense, the idiom means to be completely defeated, exhausted, or unable to continue.
Analysis of options:
- Option (a) 'Feeling hungry' is unrelated to the context of a boxing match or the idiom.
- Option (b) 'Extremely energetic' is the opposite of the idiom's meaning.
- Option (c) 'Feeling motivated' is incorrect as being 'down for the count' implies a state of failure or collapse, not motivation.
- Option (d) 'Defeated and finished' accurately reflects the meaning of being knocked out or rendered incapable of continuing a struggle.
The Manager ________ the guard for sleeping during his duty.
A)
supervised
B)
berated
C)
debated
D)
extrapolated
The sentence describes a scenario where a subordinate (the guard) has committed a serious lapse in duty (sleeping while on duty). In a professional or disciplinary context, a manager would react to such negligence with a reprimand.
1. 'Berated' means to scold or criticize someone angrily, which fits the context of a manager reacting to a guard sleeping on duty.
2. 'Supervised' means to observe and direct the execution of a task. While a manager supervises, one does not 'supervise someone for sleeping'; supervision happens during the act of working, not as a reaction to a failure.
3. 'Debated' means to argue about a subject in a formal manner. It is unlikely a manager would hold a formal debate with a guard regarding the fact that he was sleeping.
4. 'Extrapolated' means to estimate or conclude something by assuming that existing trends will continue. This is a mathematical or logical term and is completely irrelevant to the context of disciplinary action.
Choose the antonym of the given word: Fresh
I)
unfim
II)
wart
III)
stale
IV)
sum
Step 1: Analyze the target word. 'Fresh' typically means new, not decayed, or recently produced (especially in the context of food or air).
Step 2: Evaluate the options for an antonym (opposite meaning).
- 'unfim' is not a standard English word.
- 'wart' refers to a small hard growth on the skin.
- 'stale' refers to food (like bread or cake) that is no longer fresh, hard, or musty; it is the direct opposite of fresh.
- 'sum' refers to a total amount of money or a mathematical calculation.
Step 3: Conclusion. Since 'stale' is the opposite of 'fresh', option iii is the correct answer.
He deliberately bought the phone, ________ of my advice to wait for a better model.
A)
observing
B)
heedless
C)
adamant
D)
desirous
The sentence describes a contrast between the subject's action (buying the phone) and the advice given (to wait). The word 'deliberately' suggests a conscious choice to ignore the suggestion.
1. **Heedless**: This means 'showing a reckless lack of care or attention' or 'ignoring'. The phrase 'heedless of' is a standard idiomatic expression meaning to disregard advice or warnings. This fits the context perfectly.
2. **Observing**: This means following or complying with. If he were observing the advice, he would have waited, not bought the phone.
3. **Adamant**: This means refusing to be persuaded. While the person might be adamant, the preposition 'of' does not follow 'adamant' in this context (one is 'adamant about' something or 'adamant that...').
4. **Desirous**: This means having a strong desire for something. While he was desirous of the phone, the phrase 'desirous of my advice' would mean he wanted the advice, which contradicts the action of ignoring it to buy the phone.
Choose the synonym of the given word: Force
I)
excess
II)
scatter
III)
dissonance
IV)
compel
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. Analyze the target word: 'Force' as a verb means to make someone do something against their will or to coerce them into an action.
2. Evaluate Option (i) 'excess': This refers to an amount of something that is more than necessary. It is not a synonym for force.
3. Evaluate Option (ii) 'scatter': This means to throw in various random directions. It is unrelated to the meaning of force.
4. Evaluate Option (iii) 'dissonance': This refers to a lack of harmony or a clash (usually in music or cognitive thought). It is not a synonym for force.
5. Evaluate Option (iv) 'compel': This means to force or oblige someone to do something. This matches the definition of 'force' perfectly.
Therefore, 'compel' is the correct synonym.
Choose the synonym of the given word: Wish
I)
sympathy
II)
desire
III)
hurt
IV)
wonder
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. Analyze the target word: 'Wish' refers to a feeling of wanting something to happen or wanting to possess something; it is a longing or a hope.
2. Evaluate Option (i) 'sympathy': This refers to feelings of pity and sorrow for someone else's misfortune. It is not a synonym for wish.
3. Evaluate Option (ii) 'desire': This refers to a strong feeling of wanting to have something or wishing for something to happen. This aligns perfectly with the definition of 'wish'.
4. Evaluate Option (iii) 'hurt': This refers to causing physical pain or emotional distress. It is unrelated to wishing.
5. Evaluate Option (iv) 'wonder': This refers to a feeling of surprise and admiration, or the act of questioning/doubting. While one might wonder about a wish, the words are not synonymous.
Conclusion: 'Desire' is the most accurate synonym for 'Wish'.
He has already burned his bridges by alienating all his friends and family.
A)
Do something which makes it impossible to return to an earlier state
B)
To commit a horrible sin
C)
To do something which has unfortunate consequences on others
D)
To forgive someone who has wronged you
The idiom 'burn one's bridges' (or 'burn one's boats') originates from military strategy, where an army would burn the bridge behind them after crossing a river to ensure there was no possibility of retreat, forcing the soldiers to move forward or perish. In modern usage, it means to act in a way that destroys one's path back to a previous situation or relationship. In the context of the sentence, by alienating his friends and family, the person has destroyed those relationships to the point where he cannot easily reconcile or return to the support system he once had.
Analysis of other options:
- Option (b) is incorrect because the idiom refers to the consequence of an action (irreversibility), not the moral quality of the act (sin).
- Option (c) is incorrect because while the consequences may be unfortunate, the specific meaning of the idiom is the 'impossibility of return,' not just the presence of negative outcomes.
- Option (d) is the opposite of the meaning of the idiom.