Question

Select the most appropriate meaning of the underlined idiom.
Despite their initial friendship, the roommates soon discovered that
familiarity breeds contempt.

• A. Familiarity enhances camaraderie, fostering mutual appreciation.
• B. Intimacy nurtures affection, creating a foundation of enduring warmth.
• C. Closeness leads to dislike as flaws become more apparent.
• D. Closeness deepens understanding and strengthens mutual respect.

Hint:

The word 'contempt' is key to understanding this proverb. It means the feeling that a person or a thing is worthless or beneath consideration. This strong negative word immediately tells you the proverb is about a negative outcome of familiarity.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks for the correct meaning of the proverb "familiarity breeds contempt".
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The proverb "familiarity breeds contempt" means that having extensive or close knowledge of someone or something eventually leads to a loss of respect and a feeling of disdain or dislike for them. This often happens because prolonged exposure makes a person's faults and weaknesses more visible.
Let's analyze the options:


(A), (B), and (D) all suggest positive outcomes from closeness and familiarity, which is the exact opposite of what the proverb means.
(C) correctly states that closeness can lead to dislike because flaws become more apparent. This perfectly captures the essence of the proverb.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct meaning is that closeness leads to dislike as flaws become more apparent.