Which of the following words best fits blank (A)?
In the following passage there are blanks, each of which has been denoted by a letter. For each blank, five options are given. Choose the most appropriate word from the options that fits the blank appropriately.
The cow has always held a ______(A) place in Indian society, revered not only for its religious significance but also for its immense contribution to rural livelihoods. Farmers across the country have long been ______(B) on cattle for milk, manure, and draught power, making the cow an inseparable part of agricultural life. The dairy industry, which has grown ______(C) over the decades, now stands as one of the largest in the world, providing employment to millions of households. Government schemes have been launched to ______(D) the welfare of cattle and improve the quality of indigenous breeds through scientific intervention. Despite rapid urbanisation, the bond between rural communities and their cattle remains deeply ______(E), reflecting a way of life that has endured for centuries.
Correct Answer :
sacred
Solution :
The correct answer is sacred.
Explanation:
Let's analyze the context of the sentence containing blank (A):
"The cow has always held a ______(A) place in Indian society, revered not only for its religious significance but also for its immense contribution to rural livelihoods."
The sentence explicitly mentions that the cow is "revered" and has "religious significance." The word sacred means holy, blessed, or regarded with great respect and reverence, particularly in a religious or cultural context. Therefore, "sacred" fits perfectly in blank (A).
Evaluation of Options:
1. sacred: Means holy, divine, or revered. This perfectly fits the context of religious significance and reverence.
2. hollow: Means empty or lacking value, which contradicts the sentence.
3. fading: Means diminishing or disappearing, which does not fit the historical and ongoing reverence described.
4. casual: Means relaxed, informal, or unconcerned, which is opposite in meaning to being revered.
Thus, sacred is the most appropriate word for blank (A).
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