Correct Option: 2 Rationale: Ephemeral describes something that lasts for a very short time. Transient is a direct synonym. Why other options wrong: Eternal and Persistent are antonyms. Monumental refers to something great in size/importance. Ethereal means delicate or heavenly.

Correct Option: 2 Rationale: A sycophant is a person who acts obsequiously toward someone important to gain advantage. A flatterer is the closest synonym. Why other options wrong: Rebel and Critic are opposites in behavior. Authority is a person in power. Benefactor is someone who gives help/money.

Correct Option: 2 Rationale: Initial means existing or occurring at the beginning. Incipient means beginning to happen or develop. Why other options wrong: Final and Concluding are antonyms. Peripheral means on the edge. Substantial refers to size or importance.

Correct Option: 2 Rationale: Equivocal means open to more than one interpretation; ambiguous or uncertain. In option 2, a politician giving an “equivocal response” correctly describes a situation where the meaning is intentionally vague or unclear, leading to confusion.

Correct Option: 3 Rationale: Soporific refers to something that tends to induce drowsiness or sleep. Somniferous (from ‘somnus’ for sleep) is a technical synonym. Why other options wrong: Stimulating, Vibrant, and Exciting are antonyms that imply energy. Lucid means clear or easy to understand.

Correct Option: 4 Rationale: Pragmatic means dealing with things sensibly and realistically based on practical considerations. Utilitarian refers to being designed to be useful or practical. Why other options wrong: Idealistic, Visionary, and Theoretical focus on ideas/dreams rather than practical reality.

Correct Option: 2 Rationale: Imminent means about to happen or overhanging. Impending is used to describe something (usually unpleasant) about to occur. Why other options wrong: Distant, Remote, and Unlikely suggest a gap in time or probability. Past refers to what has already occurred.