If ‘→’ denotes increasing order of intensity, then the meaning of the words
[sick → infirm → moribund] is analogous to [silly → _______ → daft].
Which one of the given options is appropriate to fill the blank?
Answer
(D)
Explanation
The first triple names one idea in rising strength: sick (unwell), infirm (weak from age or long illness) and moribund (close to death). The second triple must do the same for foolishness, ending at daft (senseless, crazy).
Of the options, only vain is an adjective that can describe a lack of sense: besides “conceited”, it means empty, idle or foolish, as in “vain talk”. The others do not fit: frown is a facial expression, fawn is a young deer or a verb meaning to flatter, and vein, which only sounds like vain, is a blood vessel.
Answer: D