Choose the most appropriate synonym to replace the underlined word in the given sentence:-
The precariousness of spotting the Northern Lights augments the thrill of the experience.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer as per the official NTA Answer Key is Option (3) → danger
Note: The given answer is as per the official NTA Answer Key. However, none of the options is a true synonym of "precariousness" in this sentence. Here the word means uncertainty: there is no guarantee of seeing the Northern Lights, and that element of chance adds to the thrill. A word such as "uncertainty" or "unpredictability" would be the right answer. NTA’s option "danger" is the closest, because "precarious" can also mean risky or unsafe, but spotting the lights carries no risk of harm.
Precariousness means the state of being uncertain, insecure or dependent on chance.
Example: The precariousness of his contract job kept him awake at night.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: transience — Incorrect. Transience means lasting only a short time. The lights are brief, but the sentence is about the chance of seeing them, not about how long they last.
Example: The transience of the spring blossoms makes them all the more beautiful.
Option 2: disruption — Incorrect. Disruption means a disturbance or interruption that stops something from going on normally.
Example: The strike caused disruption to train services.
Option 4: zest — Incorrect. Zest means eager enjoyment or enthusiasm; it is close to the "thrill" that the sentence speaks of, not to precariousness.
Example: She took up the new project with great zest.
The following words have also been asked in other CUET (UG) English papers:
| Word | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| precarious | 15-05 S1 30-05 S2 | – | – | – | – |
| transient | 15-05 S1 18-05 S2 06-06 S1 | 19-05 S1 29-05 S1 | – | 02-06 S1 | 10-08 S1 |
| zest | 06-06 S1 | – | – | 29-05 S2 | – |