Question

Choose the word that is closest in meaning to calumny.

• A. Praise
• B. Slander
• C. Sympathy
• D. Loyalty

Hint:

When encountering unfamiliar vocabulary, try to associate words with negative or positive connotations.
The word "calumny" sounds similar to "culumniate" or "collusion" which carry negative undertones.
Eliminating positive options like "praise" and "loyalty" makes finding the answer much easier.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
"Calumny" refers to the making of false and defamatory statements about someone in order to damage their reputation.
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
Identify the semantic relationship:
- Calumny is a negative act of speech.
- Slander is the legal and common term for spoken defamation.
- Praise, sympathy, and loyalty are all positive attributes, making them antonyms or unrelated.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:

Calumny involves a malicious attempt to misrepresent the truth about an individual's character or actions.
Slander is the perfect synonym as it specifically denotes the act of making false spoken statements that are damaging to a person's reputation.
Step 4: Final Answer:
The word closest in meaning to calumny is Slander.