Select the most appropriate synonym of the bracketed word in the following sentence to fill in the blank.
The Government is planning to irrigate the ________ desert land by using water from
the nearby river. (parched)
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
The correct answer is option 1 i.e. arid.
The word 'parched' refers to something that is very dry or dehydrated, often due to lack of water.
The blank needs a word that conveys the dryness of the desert land.
The meanings of the options given:
Arid: This means extremely dry, especially in terms of climate or soil.
Only: This does not relate to dryness and is irrelevant in this context.
Lush: This refers to something rich in vegetation and water, which is the opposite of parched.
Rustic: This means rural or relating to the countryside, but it does not convey dryness.
'Arid' aligns with the dryness implied by 'parched' and fits well in the context of a desert being irrigated.