Choose the option that correctly replaces the underlined words with their synonyms:
If we uncheck these imaginary processes, then they become mechanical.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → If we ignore these imaginary processes, then they become perfunctory.
- Uncheck here is the opposite of "check" (to watch over, to control): to leave the processes unattended, without watching over them. Ignore, meaning to pay no attention to, is the closest of the given words.
Example: If you ignore a small leak, it soon becomes a big one. - Mechanical means done without thought or feeling, automatically; perfunctory means done as a routine, with little care or interest, so it is the synonym.
Example: The guard gave our bags a perfunctory check and waved us in.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: If we perform these imaginary processes, then they become efficient. — Incorrect.
- "Perform" means to carry out, the reverse of leaving something unattended.
- "Efficient" means working well without waste, a word of praise, while "mechanical" here means thoughtless.
Option 3: If we resolve these imaginary processes, then they become methodical. — Incorrect.
- "Resolve" means to settle or to decide firmly.
- The word "methodical" means orderly and systematic, again a word of praise, not thoughtless.
Option 4: If we spoil these imaginary processes, then they become inefficient. — Incorrect.
- "Spoil" means to damage.
- "Inefficient" means wasteful of time or effort, not routine and thoughtless.
Note: "Ignore" is not a precise synonym of "uncheck", which in everyday use means to remove a tick mark, or in the older sense to leave unrestrained. Option 2 is the answer because "perfunctory" fits "mechanical" and no other option offers a closer pair for the two words.
The following words have also been asked in other CUET (UG) English papers:
| Word | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| perfunctory | 11-05 S2 20-05 S1 | 22-05 S2 | – | – | – |