Choose the word nearest in meaning to the given word.
Indolence

Appeared in: NVS- 2025

Explanation

The word 'Indolence' is defined as the avoidance of activity or exertion; it describes a state of being idle or slothful.
'Laziness' is a direct synonym for 'Indolence', as it also means being unwilling to work or use energy.
Both words describe a behavioral trait of habitual inactivity and aversion to effort.

Option B: 'Wretchedness' refers to a state of extreme misery, unhappiness, or poor living conditions.
Option C: 'Sentence' typically refers to a grammatical unit of words or a punishment given in a court of law.
Option D: 'Sleepiness' is a physiological state of needing sleep (somnolence). While it results in inactivity, it is a biological need, not a behavioral choice like indolence.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Vocabulary and Synonyms as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
A key nursing skill is assessment. It is vital to differentiate between a patient's behavioral inactivity (indolence/laziness) and pathological lack of energy (lethargy) or excessive sleepiness (somnolence), which can be symptoms of serious underlying conditions like depression, hypothyroidism, or sleep disorders.
What if? If a patient consistently refuses to participate in prescribed physical therapy, citing 'laziness', a nurse should investigate further. The issue might not be simple indolence but could be due to depression, chronic fatigue, or uncontrolled pain, which requires a different intervention plan.

How to Approach the Question

First, define the given word, 'Indolence', in your mind. Recall its meaning related to laziness and avoidance of work.
Next, evaluate each option to see which one is the closest match to your definition.
Option A, 'Laziness', is a direct synonym. Keep this as the likely answer.
Analyze the other options: 'Wretchedness' (misery), 'Sentence' (grammar/law), and 'Sleepiness' (drowsiness).
Recognize that while sleepiness can cause inactivity, it's a physiological state, whereas indolence is a behavioral trait. 'Laziness' is the most precise synonym.
Confirm that 'Laziness' is the best fit and select it as the answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full NVS- 2025

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.