Select the word closest in meaning to the word; Embezzle.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Misappropriate
- To embezzle is to secretly take money or property that one has been trusted to look after, usually money belonging to an employer or organisation.
Example: The cashier embezzled funds from the bank over several years. - To misappropriate is to dishonestly use someone else's money or property for oneself. It is the same wrongful use of entrusted funds, so misappropriate is the synonym of embezzle.
Example: The treasurer was arrested for misappropriating the club's money.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 2: Contribute — Incorrect. To contribute is to give money or help towards something, the opposite of stealing it.
Example: Every student contributed fifty rupees for the class trip.
Option 3: Divest — Incorrect. To divest is to give up or get rid of something, such as property or shares, or to strip someone of it; it is not secret theft.
Example: The company divested itself of its loss-making units.
Option 4: Compensate — Incorrect. To compensate is to pay someone for a loss or injury; it gives money rather than taking it.
Example: The airline compensated the passengers for the delay.
The following words have also been asked in other CUET (UG) English papers:
| Word | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| divest | – | – | 19-07 S1 | – | – |