Question

Choose the right option for the synonym of the underlined word :
Mother Teresa is the epitome of Kindness.

• A. Ruthlessness
• B. Merciful
• C. devoted
• D. pitiless

Hint:

Kindness (noun) means being friendly, generous, compassionate, and considerate. We are looking for a synonym (similar meaning).
Ruthlessness: Opposite (cruelty).
{Merciful} (adjective): Means showing mercy or compassion. This is very close to the idea of kindness. The noun form "mercy" is a good synonym for kindness.
Devoted: Loyal, committed (different meaning).
Pitiless: Opposite (no pity, cruel). Among the choices, "merciful" best reflects the quality of kindness, even if it's an adjective and "kindness" is a noun.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: A synonym is a word or phrase that means exactly or nearly the same as another word or phrase in the same language. The underlined word is "Kindness." Step 1: Understand the meaning of "Kindness" "Kindness" is an abstract noun. It refers to the quality of being friendly, generous, considerate, and compassionate. It involves a warm-hearted and sympathetic nature. Step 2: Analyze the meaning of the options
(1) Ruthlessness (noun): The quality of having no pity or compassion for others; cruelty. This is an antonym (opposite) of kindness.
(2) Merciful (adjective): Showing mercy or compassion. Mercy (noun) is the compassionate treatment of an offender or adversary who is in one's power. "Merciful" describes someone who possesses the quality of mercy, which is closely related to kindness and compassion.
(3) Devoted (adjective): Very loving or loyal; giving a lot of time and energy to something or someone. While a kind person might be devoted, "devoted" itself doesn't mean kindness.
(4) Pitiless (adjective): Showing no pity; cruel. This is a synonym for ruthless and an antonym of kind/merciful. Step 3: Identify the best synonym (or related concept) The underlined word "Kindness" is a noun. Ideally, its synonym should also be a noun.
A direct noun synonym for "kindness" would be "compassion," "gentleness," "benevolence," or "mercy." Looking at the options:
"Merciful" is an adjective. The noun form is "mercy." However, multiple-choice questions sometimes offer options that are conceptually closest even if not the same part of speech. "Merciful" (showing mercy/compassion) is very closely related in meaning to "Kindness." If Mother Teresa is the epitome of kindness, she would certainly be described as merciful. Ruthlessness and pitiless are opposites. Devoted is different. Given the options, "Merciful" is the closest in underlying meaning to the quality of kindness, even though it's an adjective. The person described as an epitome of kindness would act in a merciful way. Conclusion: While "mercy" (noun) would be a more direct synonym for "kindness" (noun), "merciful" (adjective) is the option that best captures the essence of kindness among the choices provided.