Select the option that best expresses the synonym of the given word:
Mortify
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → embarrass
- Mortify means to make someone feel deeply ashamed or embarrassed, especially in front of others. It comes from the Latin mors, mortis (death): to “deaden” someone's pride.
Example: His rude remark mortified her in front of the guests. - Embarrass means to make someone feel awkward or ashamed. Both words describe causing shame, so embarrass is the synonym among the options (mortify is the stronger word).
Example: Please do not embarrass me by telling that old story again.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 2: puzzle — Incorrect. Puzzle means to confuse someone who cannot understand something; it causes confusion, not shame.
Example: The strange message puzzled everyone.
Option 3: praise — Incorrect. Praise means to express approval or admiration; it makes a person feel proud, which is far from mortify.
Example: The teacher praised her for the neat project.
Option 4: coax — Incorrect. Coax means to persuade someone gently to do something.
Example: She coaxed the child into taking the medicine.
| Synonyms (Mortify) | Antonyms (Mortify) |
|---|---|
| embarrass | gratify |
| humiliate | flatter |
| shame | honour |
| abash | please |
The following words have also been asked in other CUET (UG) English papers:
| Word | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| coax | – | 24-05 S1 | – | 02-07 S3 | – |