Choose the correct synonym for the word Burlesque from the given options:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Parody
- A burlesque is a work that imitates a serious subject in an exaggerated, mocking way to make people laugh. The word comes from the Italian burla (a joke).
Example: The play is a burlesque of old courtroom dramas. - A parody is a humorous imitation of a person, a style or a work. Both words name a comic, mocking imitation, so parody is the synonym of burlesque.
Example: The film is a parody of old detective stories.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: Demean — Incorrect. To demean is to lower someone's dignity or the respect others have for them. It is a verb about insulting, not a name for a mocking imitation.
Example: He felt that the remark demeaned him in front of his team.
Option 2: Sport — Incorrect. A sport is a game or physical activity played for enjoyment or in competition. It does not mean an imitation of a work.
Example: Football is her favourite sport.
Option 4: Baffle — Incorrect. To baffle is to confuse someone completely. It is a verb of puzzling, not a form of comic imitation.
Example: The puzzle baffled everyone in the class.
The following words have also been asked in other CUET (UG) English papers:
| Word | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| burlesque | 26-05 S1 | – | – | – | – |
| parody | 26-05 S1 | 21-05 S1 | – | – | – |
| baffle | – | 19-05 S2 | – | – | 08-08 S1 |