Identify the option closest in meaning to the underlined word from the options given below:-
William Wordsworth said that poetry is a recollection of thoughts in tranquility.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → serenity
Tranquility (also spelt tranquillity) means a state of calm and peace, free from disturbance. Wordsworth's famous line says poetry comes from emotion "recollected in tranquillity", that is, recalled later in a calm state of mind. Its synonym is serenity.
Example: We enjoyed the tranquility of the lake at dawn.
| Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| (1) leisure | free time when one is not working (one may be calm at leisure, but the word means spare time, not a peaceful state of mind) | He reads novels in his leisure. |
| (2) serenity (answer) | calmness and peace of mind (it carries the same idea of quiet calm) | The old monk faced every trouble with serenity. |
| (3) excitement | a feeling of great eagerness or agitation (the opposite of tranquility) | The children could hardly sleep with excitement before the trip. |
| (4) retaliation | an act of hitting back at someone who has harmed you (it has nothing to do with calm) | The shop was attacked in retaliation for the complaint. |
| Synonyms of tranquility: serenity, calm, peace, quietness Antonyms of tranquility: excitement, turmoil, agitation, disturbance Also asked in CUET (UG): tranquility – 14-06-2023 Slot 1, 16-09-2022 Slot 1 retaliation – 13-05-2026 Slot 1, 05-06-2023 Slot 2, 01-06-2023 Slot 1 |