Question:
Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
It is clear that language is used for more than one purpose. The man who hits his thumb nails with a hammer and utters a string of curses is using language to relieve his feeling and needs no audience but himself. But when a philosopher uses language to clarify his ideas on a subject, he is using it as an instrument of thought. When two women gossip over the fence or two men exchange greetings as they pass in the street, language is being used to strengthen the bonds between the members of society. Language, it seems, is a multipurpose instrument. One function, however, seems to be basic — language enables us to influence people's behaviour and thereby makes human co-operation possible. Some animals co-operate especially the social animals like bees and ants, but human co-operation is more thorough, more detailed, more effective than that found anywhere in the animal kingdom. The human co-operation would be unthinkable without language.
(i) Find out the word from the passage which means 'Speaks'.
(ii) Which word in the passage means 'Powerful' or 'Successful'?
(iii) Which word in the passage is the opposite of 'Aggravate'?
Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
It is clear that language is used for more than one purpose. The man who hits his thumb nails with a hammer and utters a string of curses is using language to relieve his feeling and needs no audience but himself. But when a philosopher uses language to clarify his ideas on a subject, he is using it as an instrument of thought. When two women gossip over the fence or two men exchange greetings as they pass in the street, language is being used to strengthen the bonds between the members of society. Language, it seems, is a multipurpose instrument. One function, however, seems to be basic — language enables us to influence people's behaviour and thereby makes human co-operation possible. Some animals co-operate especially the social animals like bees and ants, but human co-operation is more thorough, more detailed, more effective than that found anywhere in the animal kingdom. The human co-operation would be unthinkable without language.
(i) Find out the word from the passage which means 'Speaks'.
(ii) Which word in the passage means 'Powerful' or 'Successful'?
(iii) Which word in the passage is the opposite of 'Aggravate'?
It is clear that language is used for more than one purpose. The man who hits his thumb nails with a hammer and utters a string of curses is using language to relieve his feeling and needs no audience but himself. But when a philosopher uses language to clarify his ideas on a subject, he is using it as an instrument of thought. When two women gossip over the fence or two men exchange greetings as they pass in the street, language is being used to strengthen the bonds between the members of society. Language, it seems, is a multipurpose instrument. One function, however, seems to be basic — language enables us to influence people's behaviour and thereby makes human co-operation possible. Some animals co-operate especially the social animals like bees and ants, but human co-operation is more thorough, more detailed, more effective than that found anywhere in the animal kingdom. The human co-operation would be unthinkable without language.
(i) Find out the word from the passage which means 'Speaks'.
(ii) Which word in the passage means 'Powerful' or 'Successful'?
(iii) Which word in the passage is the opposite of 'Aggravate'?
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When looking for synonyms and antonyms in a passage, pay attention to the context of the sentence and the overall tone. The surrounding phrases often provide clues for meaning.
Updated On: Sep 6, 2025
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Solution and Explanation
(i) 'Utters': The word "utters" refers to the act of speaking, which is the key verb in this context. In the passage, when the author describes a person expressing frustration by hitting his thumb and speaking curses, the verb used is "utters." It means to say something aloud or speak. This is the word that corresponds to "speaks." Notice that "speaks" here is used in a very informal or emotional context (utterances of curses), which is why "utters" is the correct term.
(ii) 'Influence': The word "influence" is used in the passage to signify the power to affect or change people's behavior. It also carries the meaning of authority or control, both of which are associated with power or success. When the author discusses how language enables humans to influence behavior, it suggests that language is a potent tool for shaping actions and outcomes—similar to being powerful or successful. Hence, the word "influence" can be interpreted as meaning "powerful" or "successful" in the passage. The term shows how language can bring about changes in society and human behavior, making it a pivotal factor in success.
(iii) 'Strengthen': In this context, the opposite of the word "aggravate" is "strengthen." The word "aggravate" means to worsen or intensify a situation, making it more difficult or problematic. On the other hand, "strengthen" means to make something stronger or better. In the passage, "strengthen" is used to describe how language helps in reinforcing the bonds between members of society, making them more cohesive and unified. Therefore, "strengthen" is the opposite of "aggravate" because it denotes improvement, whereas "aggravate" suggests deterioration.
(ii) 'Influence': The word "influence" is used in the passage to signify the power to affect or change people's behavior. It also carries the meaning of authority or control, both of which are associated with power or success. When the author discusses how language enables humans to influence behavior, it suggests that language is a potent tool for shaping actions and outcomes—similar to being powerful or successful. Hence, the word "influence" can be interpreted as meaning "powerful" or "successful" in the passage. The term shows how language can bring about changes in society and human behavior, making it a pivotal factor in success.
(iii) 'Strengthen': In this context, the opposite of the word "aggravate" is "strengthen." The word "aggravate" means to worsen or intensify a situation, making it more difficult or problematic. On the other hand, "strengthen" means to make something stronger or better. In the passage, "strengthen" is used to describe how language helps in reinforcing the bonds between members of society, making them more cohesive and unified. Therefore, "strengthen" is the opposite of "aggravate" because it denotes improvement, whereas "aggravate" suggests deterioration.
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