Match the words with their descriptions :
(a) atheist : (i) one who is ostentatious about his learning
(b) ascetic : (ii) one who adulates
(c) pedant : (iii) disbeliever in God
(d) sycophant : (iv) one who leads an austere life

Question

Accepted Answer

Here's a detailed explanation justifying why Option 1 is the correct answer and why the other options are incorrect:

**Why Option 1 is Correct:**

Option 1 correctly matches the words with their descriptions:

*   **(a) atheist : (iii) disbeliever in God:** An atheist, by definition, is someone who does not believe in the existence of God or gods. This is a direct and accurate definition.

*   **(b) ascetic : (iv) one who leads an austere life:** An ascetic is a person who practices severe self-discipline and abstains from indulgence, typically for religious reasons. This lifestyle is characterized by simplicity, frugality, and often solitude, which aligns perfectly with the description of leading an austere life.

*   **(c) pedant : (i) one who is ostentatious about his learning:** A pedant is someone who is excessively concerned with minor details and rules, especially in academic matters. They often show off their knowledge in a boastful or pretentious manner. The description "one who is ostentatious about his learning" accurately captures this characteristic.

*   **(d) sycophant : (ii) one who adulates:** A sycophant is a person who tries to win favor from wealthy or influential people by flattering them. "Adulate" means to praise excessively or obsequiously, which is precisely what a sycophant does.

**Why Other Options are Incorrect:**

*   **Option 2: (a)-(iv), (b)-(iii), (c)-(ii), (d)-(i)**
    *   (a)-(iv): An atheist does *not* lead an austere life by definition. Austerity is a lifestyle choice, not a necessary component of atheism.
    *   (b)-(iii): An ascetic is *not* simply a disbeliever in God. While some ascetics might be atheists, asceticism is primarily about self-discipline and renunciation, often within a religious context.
    *   (c)-(ii): A pedant does *not* adulate. They are more concerned with displaying their knowledge, not flattering others.
    *   (d)-(i): A sycophant is *not* ostentatious about their learning. They are focused on flattering others for personal gain.

*   **Option 3: (a)-(ii), (b)-(i), (c)-(iv), (d)-(iii)**
    *   (a)-(ii): An atheist does *not* adulate.
    *   (b)-(i): An ascetic is *not* primarily defined by being ostentatious about learning.
    *   (c)-(iv): A pedant does *not* lead an austere life.
    *   (d)-(iii): A sycophant is *not* a disbeliever in God.

*   **Option 4: (a)-(iii), (b)-(i), (c)-(iv), (d)-(ii)**
    *   (a)-(iii): This part is correct.
    *   (b)-(i): An ascetic is *not* primarily defined by being ostentatious about learning.
    *   (c)-(iv): A pedant does *not* lead an austere life.
    *   (d)-(ii): This part is correct.

In summary, only Option 1 provides accurate and consistent definitions for all the words, making it the only correct choice. The other options contain mismatches that contradict the established meanings of the words.