Question

Choose the word most similar in meaning to the given word: RETRENCH 

• A. attach
• B. curtail
• C. diversify
• D. multiply
• E.

Hint:

"Retrench" and "curtail" both imply reducing or trimming down, so look for words that imply cutting back when encountering these terms.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The word "retrench" refers to reducing or cutting back on something, especially in terms of costs, resources, or personnel. The word most similar in meaning is "curtail," which also refers to reducing or limiting something. Thus, the correct answer is (B) curtail. 

Answer 2

Sorting the options by whether they point toward increasing or decreasing something isolates the correct match immediately, since "retrench" is fundamentally about cutting back.

1. Option A (Attach): "Attach" describes joining or adding something, a direction of increase or connection, the opposite of cutting back.
2. Option B (Curtail): "Curtail" means to reduce or cut short, matching the cost or resource-cutting sense that "retrench" carries.
3. Option C (Diversify): "Diversify" means to expand into a greater variety, which runs counter to the narrowing, cost-cutting action of retrenching.
4. Option D (Multiply): "Multiply" describes an increase in number or scale, the direct opposite of the reduction "retrench" implies.
5. Option E: No text is provided for this option.

Since "retrench" points toward reducing costs or resources, "curtail," which also means to cut back or limit, is the closest match.

Hence, the correct answer is (B) curtail.