Which of the following words is NOT an appropriate synonym for 'स्त्री' (woman)?

Appeared in: DSSSB 14 August 2024

Explanation

The word 'भार्या' (bhāryā) specifically means 'wife', which refers to a woman in a marital relationship.
It is a direct synonym for 'पत्नी' (patnī), not a general synonym for 'स्त्री' (strī), which means 'woman' regardless of marital status.
Because it denotes a specific role (wife) rather than just gender (woman), it is not an appropriate general synonym for 'स्त्री'.

Option A: The word 'कांता' (kāntā) means 'beloved' or 'beautiful woman' and is commonly used as a poetic synonym for 'स्त्री' (woman).
Option C: The word 'वनिता' (vanitā) is a direct and standard literary synonym for 'स्त्री' (woman).
Option D: The word 'रमणी' (ramaṇī) means 'a delightful or beautiful woman' and is used as a synonym for 'स्त्री' (woman).

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Hindi Synonyms (पर्यायवाची शब्द) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
This question tests general aptitude and language skills, which are part of the non-nursing section of some nursing entrance exams.
While this specific vocabulary is not clinical, proficiency in local languages can significantly enhance nurse-patient communication and build rapport.
What if the question asked for a synonym of 'कन्या' (kanyā - girl/daughter)? Then words like 'पुत्री' (putrī) or 'लड़की' (laṛkī) would be correct, while 'स्त्री' or 'भार्या' would be incorrect.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core word in the question: 'स्त्री' (strī), which translates to 'woman'.
Note the negative keyword 'NOT'. The goal is to find the option that does not fit as a general synonym.
Evaluate each option's meaning in relation to 'woman'.
Recognize that 'कांता', 'वनिता', and 'रमणी' are all general, often poetic, terms for a woman.
Analyze 'भार्या'. This word specifically means 'wife', which is a type of woman defined by her marital status.
Conclude that a word with a specific relational meaning ('wife') is not a general synonym for a broader category ('woman').

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Hindi Synonyms (पर्यायवाची शब्द)
Stem keywords: synonym, स्त्री, woman
Lead-in keywords: NOT
Negative lead-in flag: The question asks to identify the word that is NOT a synonym, which requires careful elimination.

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Practise the full DSSSB 14 August 2024

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