Choose the word similar in meaning to the underlined word in the following sentence:
Vitality and zest for life were at a vanishing point, spirituality glowed but in fitful embers.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → enthusiasm
Zest means great eagerness and enjoyment. "Zest for life" is a lively, energetic love of living. In the sentence it had almost disappeared. Its synonym is enthusiasm.
Example: Even at eighty, she has a great zest for life.
| Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| (1) zenith | the highest point of something (it is not a feeling) | The empire reached its zenith under Akbar. |
| (2) enthusiasm (answer) | strong interest and eager enjoyment (it has the same meaning as zest) | The children joined the game with great enthusiasm. |
| (3) propensity | a natural tendency to behave in a certain way (it is not eagerness) | He has a propensity to exaggerate. |
| (4) satisfaction | a feeling of contentment when a wish is fulfilled (it is calm and settled, while zest is eager and energetic) | She felt great satisfaction after finishing the project. |
| Also asked in CUET (UG): zest – 13-05-2026 Slot 1, 29-05-2023 Slot 2 zenith – 27-05-2025 Slot 1 propensity – 24-05-2025 Slot 1 |