The GATE Grind

GATE 2024 CE (CE1) – Question 1

General Aptitude · Verbal Aptitude: Grammar and Vocabulary · 1 mark · Multiple choice

If '→' denotes increasing order of intensity, then the meaning of the words [simmer → seethe → smolder] is analogous to [break → raze → ________ ].

Which one of the given options is appropriate to fill the blank?

  1. obfuscate
  2. obliterate
  3. fracture
  4. fissure

Practise this question in The GATE Grind →

Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: (B) obliterate

Explanation

Simmer, seethe and smolder go up in intensity, and so do break, raze and the next word: to destroy something completely, to "obliterate" it. Obfuscate means to make unclear, and fracture and fissure are milder than breaking.