Question

The word given in each of the sentences is used contextually. Pick the word from the alternatives given that is most inappropriate in the given context.
DOCTRINE
— A doctrine is often refined by reasoning.

• A. offense
• B. dogma
• C. precept
• D. principle

Hint:

When most options look like synonyms, hunt for the outlier that belongs to a different semantic field—here, “offense” (legal/moral wrong) vs. “doctrine/dogma/precept/principle” (rules or beliefs).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Meaning of "doctrine" “Doctrine” means a belief or set of beliefs held and taught by a group (e.g., religious, political, or academic).
Step 2: Evaluate the options against this meaning
- \textit{Dogma} (2) — A principle or set of principles laid down by an authority; close in meaning to “doctrine.”
\[ \Rightarrow \text{Fits the context} \] - \textit{Precept} (3) — A rule or guiding principle; semantically related to “doctrine.” \[ \Rightarrow \text{Fits the context} \] - \textit{Principle} (4) — A fundamental truth or proposition; also aligns with “doctrine.” \[ \Rightarrow \text{Fits the context} \] - \textit{Offense} (1) — A breach of law; an insult; something that causes anger. This has no semantic connection to “doctrine.” \[ \Rightarrow \text{Inappropriate} \] Step 3: Conclusion Only “offense” is unrelated to the meaning of “doctrine,” so it is the most inappropriate choice. \[ \boxed{\text{offense}} \]