Question

Fill in the blank with the most appropriate word:
The Minister called upon the people to __________ their religious differences and strengthen secularism in the country.

• A. condemn
• B. abolish
• C. sink
• D. exhort
• E. weaken

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

sink

Option C: 'Sink' means 'ignore something'. Here the "Minister called upon the people" to ignore "their religious differences and strengthen secularism in the country".

Secularism is separating the state from religion, and not mixing the two. Religious differences must be ignored or put aside to strengthen the country.

Hence this word forms a complete meaningful sentence and option C is correct.

Option A: 'Condemn' means 'express complete disapproval of'.

Option B: 'Abolish' is 'formally put an end to'.

Option D: 'Exhort' means 'encourage someone to do something'.

Option E: 'Weaken' means 'decrease the strength of'.

These words are not the most suitable to the sentence in meaning and relevance.

Hence options A, B, D and E are incorrect.