Question

Choose the word(s) which can correctly replace the word(s) printed in italic bold in the sentence without changing the meaning of it.
For want of adequate funds, non-plan expenditure has been further pruned in this year's budget.

• A. included
• B. expanded
• C. prolonged
• D. reduced

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

‘Pruned’ means trim or cut away. The meaning of this word will be option C ‘Reduced’. Reduced means to make the quantity less or small. Option A ‘Prolonged’ means continued for a long time. Option B ‘Expanded’ means enlarged or extended. Option D ‘included’ means to contain something as part of something else, like breakfast is ‘included’ in the price of the hotel room. Thus, the correct answer is Option C, ‘Reduced’.