Directions: Given below are two passages. Read them carefully and answer the…
2025
Directions: Given below are two passages. Read them carefully and answer the questions given below them. Certain words are given in bold to help you to locate them while answering some of the questions.
Population is one resource that never depletes and is a living development parameter. But it is at times interpreted as a hindering factor for development. This happens because population is both a consumer and producer. There are two schools of thought. One which treats population as a resource, and the other as a burden to the society. The truth, in fact, lies somewhere in between. The interplay of factors responsible for population growth and those for development decide the resourcefulness of population.
What will be the synonym of the word ‘depletes’ as given in bold in the passage?
- A.
reduces
- B.
sustains
- C.
worsens
- D.
evades
Attempted by 775 students.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Answer: 'reduces' is the correct synonym for 'depletes'.
'Deplete' means to decrease in quantity or to use up; therefore a word meaning to make less or lower in amount is required.
'reduces' — Correct: matches the sense of becoming less or lowering an amount.
'sustains' — Incorrect: means to maintain or keep going, the opposite of decreasing.
'worsens' — Incorrect: refers to deterioration in condition or quality, not specifically to a reduction in amount.
'evades' — Incorrect: means to avoid or escape, which is unrelated to the meaning of 'depletes'.
Summary: 'reduces' correctly conveys the idea of becoming less, so it is the best synonym for 'depletes'.