Choose the correct word from the options given to fill in the blank.
The media has to be mindful of showing ________ violence on the television.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → gratuitous
Complete sentence: The media has to be mindful of showing gratuitous violence on the television. "Gratuitous violence" is violence shown on screen only for shock value, not because the story needs it, which is why the media must be careful about it.
| Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| (1) grouchy | bad-tempered and complaining (it describes a person's mood, not violence on television) | He is always grouchy before his morning tea. |
| (2) gratuitous (answer) | done without any good reason, unnecessary and uncalled for | The film was criticised for its gratuitous violence. |
| (3) gratis | free of charge ("gratis violence" makes no sense) | The first issue of the magazine was given away gratis. |
| (4) grotesque | ugly or distorted in a strange, frightening way (violence may be grotesque, but the point of the sentence is violence shown without need, which is gratuitous) | The old church walls are decorated with grotesque stone faces. |
| Also asked in CUET (UG): gratuitous – 21-05-2023 Slot 1 gratis – 10-06-2023 Slot 2, 02-06-2023 Slot 1 grotesque – 23-05-2025 Slot 2 |