Choose the most appropriate option to replace the underlined word without changing the meaning of the sentence:
The maintenance of peace in a household packed with young cousins in the summer vacations is an arduous task indeed.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → preservation
- Maintenance means keeping something in its existing state or keeping it going. "The maintenance of peace" in a house full of young cousins means keeping the peace from being broken.
Example: The maintenance of law and order is the duty of the police. - Preservation means keeping something safe and unchanged. "The preservation of peace" says the same thing, so preservation is the synonym here.
Example: The preservation of old monuments needs public support.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 2: negligence — Incorrect. Negligence means failure to take proper care; it is close to the opposite of keeping peace with effort.
Example: The fire was caused by the negligence of the guard.
Option 3: determination — Incorrect. Determination means firmness of purpose; "the determination of peace" would mean fixing or deciding it, not keeping it.
Example: Her determination helped her finish the race.
Option 4: assertion — Incorrect. Assertion means a firm statement or claim; it has nothing to do with keeping peace.
Example: He repeated his assertion that he was innocent.