Directions : Choose the contextual meaning of the highlighted word. For his…
2023
Directions : Choose the contextual meaning of the highlighted word.
For his unsavory remarks on Martin L. King in the media, the minister faced libel charges from his descendants living in the USA.
- A.
Calumny
- B.
Perfidy
- C.
Treason
- D.
Knavery
Attempted by 31 students.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Answer: Calumny
Why:
'Libel' refers to a published (written or broadcast) false statement that harms a person's reputation; it is a form of defamation.
Calumny: Means making false and malicious statements that damage someone's reputation. This matches the meaning of 'libel' in the sentence and is why this word is correct.
Perfidy: Means deliberate betrayal or treachery; it refers to disloyal conduct, not to defamation by false publications.
Treason: Means betrayal against one's country or sovereign; it relates to political disloyalty, not to harming someone's reputation through false statements.
Knavery: Means dishonesty or trickery in behavior; it does not specifically denote making false published statements intended to defame someone.
Therefore, 'Calumny' best matches the contextual meaning of 'libel' in the sentence.