Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word: Persiflage

Question

Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word:

Persiflage

1. A. Criticism
2. B. Banter (Correct answer)
3. C. Seriousness
4. D. Argument

Correct Answer

Option B — Banter

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is Banter.

Key Points

• 'Persiflage' means light, teasing, good-humoured talk — in other words, banter.
• Its closest synonym among the options is therefore Banter.
• The other choices are unrelated or opposite: 'Criticism' and 'Argument' imply conflict, and 'Seriousness' is the direct opposite of playful talk.
• 'persiflage' (from French) refers to frivolous, bantering conversation; recognising its light, playful tone points straight to 'banter'.
• When unsure, eliminate options with the wrong emotional colour — persiflage is friendly and light, so serious or hostile words cannot be synonyms.

Exam Tip

• group such advanced vocabulary by tone — playful talk: persiflage, banter, raillery, badinage — so a cluster of near-synonyms is learnt together for both synonym and antonym questions.