Read the given sentence carefully. Choose the option that best replaces the underlined phrase:
The proliferation of social media platforms has ensured that the dabbler in art and literature, who could not pursue art as a full time career and often abandoned their artistic pursuits, can showcase their artworks online and monetise it.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → amateurs
- Dabbler means a person who takes up an activity casually, without serious or lasting commitment. The sentence describes the dabbler in art and literature as someone who could not make art a full-time career and often gave it up.
Example: He is a dabbler in painting who picks up a brush only on holidays. - Amateur means a person who does an activity for pleasure, not as a paid profession. This is the person the underlined phrase describes, so amateurs replaces it.
Example: The play was staged by a group of amateurs from the neighbourhood.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: hedonists — Incorrect. A hedonist is a person who lives mainly for pleasure and enjoyment. Seeking pleasure has nothing to do with taking up art as a part-time pursuit.
Example: The hedonist spent his inheritance on parties and fine food.
Option 2: mavericks — Incorrect. A maverick is an independent-minded person who refuses to follow the usual rules or group opinion. The sentence is about people who could not make art their career, not about rebels.
Example: The maverick scientist ignored the accepted theory and proved it wrong.
Option 3: professionals — Incorrect. A professional is a person who earns a living from an activity. The sentence says these people could not pursue art as a full-time career, so professionals is the opposite of what is meant.
Example: Only professionals are allowed to play in this tournament.