Choose the correct one-word substitution for: "One who is indifferent to pain and pleasure."
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
Correct Answer
Stoic
Explanation
The question asks for the correct one-word substitution for the phrase "One who is indifferent to pain and pleasure."
The word "Stoic" refers to a person who can endure pain or hardship without showing their feelings or complaining. Originating from ancient Greek philosophy (Stoicism), it describes someone who maintains emotional detachment and mental calmness in the face of both adversity (pain) and prosperity (pleasure). Therefore, Option 3 is the correct choice.
The other options are incorrect because they describe different psychological or philosophical traits:
Cynic refers to a person who believes that people are motivated purely by self-interest rather than by honorable or unselfish reasons.
Mystic refers to a person who seeks dissolved boundaries of self through contemplation and self-surrender to obtain unity with or absorption into the Deity or the absolute.
Egoist refers to a self-centered or selfish person who believes in their own self-importance.
Key Points
The word "Stoic" is an exceptionally high-frequency term in competitive examinations. To master this cluster of vocabulary, remember related words like apathetic (showing no interest), phlegmatic (having an unemotional disposition), and fortitude (courage in pain or adversity).