Choose the option that best replaces the underlined word without changing the meaning of the sentence:
Irritated by Deepanshu's inability to ever be on time, Sakshi decides to leave the restaurant after waiting for him for an hour.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Exasperated
- Irritated means annoyed or made impatient by something. Sakshi is annoyed because Deepanshu is never on time.
Example: The loud music irritated the neighbours. - Exasperated means extremely irritated, usually by something that keeps happening. Deepanshu's lateness is a habit, so exasperated is the closest synonym of irritated here.
Example: The teacher was exasperated by the constant chatter in class.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 2: Bemused — Incorrect. Bemused means puzzled or confused. It carries no sense of annoyance.
Example: He looked bemused by the strange instructions.
Option 3: Perplexed — Incorrect. Perplexed means completely baffled by something hard to understand. Sakshi knows why she is upset, so she is not confused.
Example: The riddle left everyone perplexed.
Option 4: Dismayed — Incorrect. Dismayed means shocked and upset by something unexpected or unwelcome. It shows distress, not irritation at a repeated habit.
Example: They were dismayed to hear that the match had been cancelled.
The following words have also been asked in other CUET (UG) English papers:
| Word | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| exasperate | 14-05 S1 | 30-05 S1 | – | – | – |
| perplex | – | 02-06 S1 | 15-05 S1 | – | 30-08 S1 |
| dismay | – | 19-05 S1 | – | 22-05 S1 | 08-08 S1 |