In the following question, a word is highlighted in the given sentence. This…
2025
In the following question, a word is highlighted in the given sentence. This is followed by a few sentences that use the same word. Identify the sentence(s) that use the given word in the same meaning as it is used in the question statement.
She has a firm belief in honesty.
(A) He started his own law firm in the city.
(B) The ground was firm after the heavy rain.
(C) The manager took a firm decision against corruption.
Answer: C. Only C — The word 'firm' carries different senses depending on its grammatical role: as a noun, it names a business enterprise; as an adjective, it can describe…
- A.
Only B
- B.
Both A and C
- C.
Only C
- D.
Only A
- E.
All A, B, C
Attempted by 103 students.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
The word 'firm' carries different senses depending on its grammatical role: as a noun, it names a business enterprise; as an adjective, it can describe physical solidity or hardness; and, in a separate adjectival sense, it can describe resolve, decisiveness, or steadfastness. To match a word's meaning across sentences, first identify its grammatical role (noun or adjective) and then match the specific sense within that role.
In the stem, “She has a firm belief in honesty,” 'firm' is an adjective modifying 'belief' and conveys resolve — the belief is strong and unwavering. Checking each option: sentence A uses 'firm' as a noun for the law business he started, a different grammatical role altogether. Sentence B uses 'firm' as an adjective, but for the physical solidity of the ground, not resolve. Sentence C uses 'firm' as an adjective describing the manager's decision as resolute and unwavering — the same adjectival sense of resolve as the stem.
Sentence A: noun (business) — a different word class from the stem's adjective.
Sentence B: adjective, but describes physical hardness, not resolve.
Sentence C: adjective describing resolve/decisiveness — the same sense as the stem.
Any option that combines sentence A or sentence B with sentence C therefore mixes a matching sentence with a non-matching one.
Since sentence C alone uses 'firm' as an adjective conveying resolve, matching the stem's usage, the correct answer is Only C.