Select the word closest in meaning to the word 'ARDUOUS' from the options given below:-
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Difficult
Arduous means needing a lot of effort and hard work, very difficult and tiring. Its synonym is difficult.
Example: The climb to the temple was long and arduous.
| Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| (1) Mysterious | strange and hard to explain or understand (a task can be easy and still mysterious) | A mysterious stranger knocked at the door at midnight. |
| (2) Continuous | going on without a break (it speaks of time, not of effort) | There was continuous rain for three days. |
| (3) Supportive | giving help and encouragement (it has no link with hard work) | Her parents were very supportive of her decision. |
| (4) Difficult (answer) | needing much effort or skill to do, not easy (an arduous task is a very difficult one) | The last question in the paper was quite difficult. |
| Synonyms of arduous: difficult, strenuous, laborious, tough Antonyms of arduous: easy, effortless, simple, light Also asked in CUET (UG): arduous – 20-05-2026 Slot 1, 23-05-2025 Slot 2, 21-05-2025 Slot 2, 29-05-2024 Slot 1, 18-08-2022 Slot 1 |