Question

Find out a word which is nearest in meaning to the word given in capitals.
MENDACIOUS

• A. truthful
• B. honest
• C. misleading
• D. straightforward

Hint:

Note that Options A ('truthful'), B ('honest'), and D ('straightforward') are all strong positive synonyms of each other representing honesty.
The only negative word representing deceit is 'misleading', making it the clear synonym for 'mendacious'.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
This question asks for the synonym of the capitalized word 'MENDACIOUS'.
This is an adjective describing truthfulness or deceit.

Step 2: Key Approach:
Assess the moral or truth-value quality of the adjective and group the other choices to find the semantic match.
Note the negative nature of the word and filter the options accordingly.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:

• Meaning of MENDACIOUS: 'Mendacious' means not telling the truth; lying, deceitful, or untruthful.
It comes from the Latin root 'mendax', meaning liar.

• Option A (truthful): This means telling or expressing the truth.
This is an antonym of 'mendacious'.

• Option B (honest): This means free of deceit; truthful and sincere.
This is an antonym of 'mendacious'.

• Option C (misleading): This means giving the wrong idea or impression, often intentionally; deceptive.
Since 'mendacious' involves lying and deceit, 'misleading' is the closest synonym among the choices.

• Option D (straightforward): This means uncomplicated, honest, and easy to understand.
This is also an antonym of 'mendacious'.


Step 4: Final Answer:
The word nearest in meaning to 'MENDACIOUS' is 'misleading'.