Word Usage

The verb ‘evade’ is inappropriate in the context and should be replaced by ‘avoid’. Hence, option (3) is the answer.

“Doubtful” (adj) in (1) is correct as it implies the uncertainty of the weather.
“Doubtfully” (adj) in (2) is correct as it means to question, to disbelieve.
“Scarcely” in (3) functions much like not or never and is regarded as making a sentence negative, hence shows the incorrect usage of “doubt”, and is also grammatically incorrect. Possibly dishonest or disreputable is the meaning of “doubtful character” in (4), which is correct. (5) means the outcome cannot be doubted. Hence, (3) is the answer.

'Alien' in sentence (1) means foreign, belonging to another country or region. In sentence (2), it means out of   harmony. In sentences (3) and (4), it means to cause a rift between people; to become estranged from but 'alien' as used in (3) doesn't depict the correct verb form, which would be 'alienate'. Hence, (3) is the answer.

In option (4), the correct sentence would read as, 'The cricket match between India and Pakistan was an even game'. Article omitted before 'even'.

The correct phrase is point blank range. Hence, (4) is correct answer.

Meaning of the term ‘initiative’ in options (1) and (2) is the ability and enterprise to do what needs to be done. The meaning as used in options (3) and (4) is ‘the power or right to take action’. In option (5), the word ‘initiative’ is incorrectly used as you can’t hold somebody else responsible for your own initiative. The incorrect usage is option (5) and is the answer.

'So interested was he' in option (1) should read, 'He could solve complex mathematical problems easily with interest', where it implies curiosity about something. 'Interest' as used in option (2) means an advantage, welfare; in option (3), it means fascinating; in option (4), it means personal influence; and in option (5) it means 'having a stake'. Hence, option (1) is the required incorrect answer.

The correct expression is ‘pay through the nose’ and not ‘pay through the stomach’ as given in option (1). Therefore, option (1) is the statement in which given word has not been used correctly.

“Saturation” in (1) and (5) means to soak or make very wet, thus (1) depicts correct usage of the word. When reference to colour is made as in (2), it means deepest or most intense in colour, without white, and hence, “saturated” in (2) is correct.
In (3), “saturation” means overwhelming, most intense, which gives sense to the sentence.
“Saturate” in (4) has not been used correctly. It should read: Rome is saturated in history and arts (“Saturate” means to be full of). Hence, (4) is the answer.

'Element' as used in options (1) is correct as it implies any of the four substances (earth, air, fire, and water) formerly believed to constitute all physical matter. Option (2) also depicts correct usage of 'element' as it means a component part or quality, often one that is basic or essential and option (4) means a determining factor, thereby marking it correct. In (5), elements mean forces of nature. (3) should use inkling or hint in place of element. Hence, option (3) is the answer.

Meaning of the term ‘aggregation’ in option (1) is a group or mass of distinct things or individuals. Instead of the word ‘aggregation’ one should use ‘aggregate’ to make sense. This marks option (1) as our answer.

“Alternate” in (1) and (5) is the correct usage as it means to do or occur by turns. In (2), it means every second one, thereby depicting its correct usage. “Alternative” in (3) and (4) means the freedom of choice, especially between two things or possibilities. “Alternative” in (4) would be incorrect. The correct usage would be “alternate”, which gives sense to the sentence. Hence, the answer is (4).

'Cap' as used in (1) implies to cover the top or end of; form a cap; in option (3), it refers to a lid or covering; in option (4), it means an upper limit set on a budgeted cost; in option (5) it means beg. Therefore, options (1), (3), (4) and (5) highlight correct usage of cap, but option (2) suggests the incorrect usage of 'cap'. The correct sentence would read, 'The politician could win the assembly polls cap in hand', where it means in a humble or servile manner. Hence, option (2) is the answer.

The correct word in (5) should be 'plane' instead of 'plain' would suffice. This marks option (5) as the one, which has the incorrect usage.

The meaning of term 'corrupt' implied in sentence (1) is to cause to become dishonest. The meaning implied in sentence (2) is 'immorality especially sexually'. In sentence (4) the usage of term 'corrupt' denotes a formal word for 'decay'. In sentence (5) 'corrupt' means spoil. In sentence (3) we have a problem. 'Language corruption' expression should have been 'The French don't approve of their language being corrupted'. Thus, option (3) marks incorrect usage.

Meaning of the term 'malice' is ill will, evil intent, or desire to harm. In option (2), 'maliciousness' should be replaced by the correct noun 'malice'.

As used in option in (1), 'place' implies to put in a particular position. As given in option (3), 'your place' means your right or duty. 'Place settings'', as given in option (4), refer to an arrangement of knives, forks, etc. 'Place' in (5) means locality. The sentence as given in option (2), supposed to convey 'doesn't belong to'', is incorrect.

The process of writing quickly without any attention to detail is scribbling and not scraping.

(4): “Rabbit” in option (1) is used as of its flesh eaten as meat. Hence, option (1) is correct usage. “Rabbit warren” is the correct usage in (2) as it refers to a place with narrow passage, usually in an overcrowded slum. Hence, (2) is the correct usage.
In option (3), rabbit is used as slang for weak player or a beginner at a game, which reflects the correct usage.
In option (5), rabbit is used as a weak fearful person.
Option (4) is incorrect. Instead of “rabbited him on the floor”, it should have been “he floored him with a rabbit punch” which refers to a sharp blow with the side of the hand to the back of the neck. Hence, (4) is the answer.

'Connection' as used in options (1), (2) and (5) implies a link respectively. Option (3) also suggests correct usage of connection as it means the act or means of transferring from one train, bus, etc. to another in the course of a journey. Option (4) is the answer as there is no such meaning of connection implying description, explanation.

'Argued' in (4) is incorrect. The correct sentence would be 'It is arguable whether she actually said that'. This marks option (4) as the required answer.

The expression 'at a pinch' as used in option (2) is correct. In option (3), the most common usage of the word pinch has been given, which refers to a squeeze made by fingers and thumb on a surface. In option (4), pinch refers to the experience or effects of poverty. In option (5), pinch refers to thinning. In option (1) the sentence makes no sense. Therefore, the answer is option (1).

For usage 'a' impasse in a football match means 1 'Deadlock' or 2 'Stalemate'. For usage b, road coming to an impasse, the possible meaning is only 3 'Blind Alley'. This automatically shrinks our answer choices to options (2) and (3). For usage c, both these options give 4 as the usage. For usage d the only meaning appropriate is in 1. This implies that the correct answer is option (2).

For usage b, i.e., 'fortitude', to pass the IAS exam one need not have courage or be daring but one should have firmness of purpose, i.e. single-minded devotion to one's cause. Neither does one need to have endurance. Thus only meaning matched to usage b is 3. Thus, option (3), is the correct answer.

The word 'open' suits all the given words. The word 'sesame' literally refers to a plant, but, when used with the word open, refers to the magic words spoken to open the door, in the story of Alibaba. We have 'Open Air Theaters'. Also,  'Restaurants' are 'open on Sundays'. The term 'open ended' is used in a variety of situations. So, 'open' is the most suited word.

All the words in the question are related to 'fire'. Fire alternatively means to expel and to launch. Hence, answer is (4).

'Dare' suits all the given terms. When we challenge a person, we dare him. A very bold, reckless person is referred to as a daredevil. We dare someone to see how courageous he/she is. The secondary meaning of the word 'cheek' is shamelessly bold and daring (He does not have the cheek to dare me). 

'Mean' is used as a noun, verb, adverb and adjective. Thus, option (3) is a valid answer.

'Bank' is the most appropriate word. In a bank, a teller works and we get loans. A river has two banks (sides). We bank upon the support of our friends.

The word 'absent' has no adjective form 'absentist'. It should be 'his absent nature….'.