SSC Selection Post 2025 PYQ — Question 51

Correct Answer

Friendly

Explanation

The question asks you to identify the correct synonym for the rare and formal word "Xenial".

The word Xenial (pronounced ZEE-nee-uhl) is an adjective that means warm, welcoming, and hospitable, especially toward guests or visiting strangers. It describes a spirit of openness and goodwill. Therefore, Friendly is the closest accurate synonym among the choices.

Let's break down why this is the case and look at the other options:

Friendly directly aligns with the core meaning of xenial, which represents showing kindness, warmth, and hospitality to others.

Hostile is an exact antonym (opposite word), meaning aggressive, unfriendly, or showing opposition.

Warm can also mean friendly in a figurative sense (e.g., a warm welcome), but in basic multiple-choice patterns containing a direct psychological trait option, "Friendly" acts as the primary textbook synonym.

Cold is another antonym, meaning distant, unfeeling, or lacking affection and hospitality.

Because "Xenial" translates directly to being hospitable and amicable, Option 1 is the correct choice.

Key Points

The word "xenial" traces its origins back to the Ancient Greek word xenia, which refers to the sacred laws of guest-friendship and showing moral hospitality to foreigners or travelers.

A great trick for competitive exams is to look at the Greek root "xenos" (which means stranger or foreigner, as seen in xenophobia). While xenophobia is the fear of strangers, xenial is the exact opposite—the practice of being welcoming and friendly to them.