GATE ME 2015 Set 3 — Question 1

MCQ+1 / -0.33EasyVocabulary (Words, Idioms, Phrases in Context)Verbal AptitudeGeneral Aptitude

General Aptitude → Verbal Aptitude → Vocabulary (Words, Idioms, Phrases in Context)

Last updated 5 September 2026

Question

Choose the appropriate word/phrase, out of the four options given below, to complete the following sentence: Apparent lifelessness______________dormant life.

Correct answer (A) harbours Solution The sentence aims to convey that what appears to be lifeless actually contains or conceals life that is in a dormant state. We need to choose the verb that best fits this meaning. Let's analyze the options: (A) harbours: To 'harbour' something means to keep it in one's mind or to give a home or shelter to it. In this context, it means that the apparent lifelessness conceals or holds the dormant life within. This fits the sentence perfectly. (B) leads to: This implies a causal relationship. Apparent lifelessness does not cause dormant life. (C) supports: While the lifeless exterior might physically support the dormant life, 'harbours' is a more nuanced and appropriate word that implies concealment and sheltering, which is the essence of the sentence. (D) affects: This means to have an effect on. The state of being apparently lifeless doesn't 'affect' the dormant life in the way the sentence implies; rather, it describes the condition in which the dormant life exists. Therefore, 'harbours' is the most suitable word to complete the sentence. Turn this into a strength. Explore AI-powered practice and doubt support with Success Tracker.

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Correct answer (A) harbours Solution The sentence aims to convey that what appears to be lifeless actually contains or conceals life that is in a dormant state. We need to choose the verb that best fits this meaning. Let's analyze the options: (A) harbours: To 'harbour' something means to keep it in one's mind or to give a home or shelter to it. In this context, it means that the apparent lifelessness conceals or holds the dormant life within. This fits the sentence perfectly. (B) leads to: This implies a causal relationship. Apparent lifelessness does not cause dormant life. (C) supports: While the lifeless exterior might physically support the dormant life, 'harbours' is a more nuanced and appropriate word that implies concealment and sheltering, which is the essence of the sentence. (D) affects: This means to have an effect on. The state of being apparently lifeless doesn't 'affect' the dormant life in the way the sentence implies; rather, it describes the condition in which the dormant life exists. Therefore, 'harbours' is the most suitable word to complete the sentence.

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