Direction: Each item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four options. Select the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word mark your response in your Answer Sheet accordingly. Ravi loves _seclusion_. Therefore, he lives in the mountains.

The word 'seclusion' refers to the state of being private and away from people or society [1]. In the given sentence, Ravi's preference for living in the mountains highlights his desire for isolation or being alone. According to linguistic definitions, 'seclusion' is synonymous with 'solitude', 'isolation', and 'solitariness' [1]. Specifically, it suggests a retirement from social intercourse or a withdrawal from the presence of others [1]. While 'nature' (Option 1) describes the physical environment of the mountains [1], it does not capture the specific state of being alone that 'seclusion' denotes. 'Scripture' (Option 2) refers to religious texts, and 'seafaring' (Option 3) relates to travel by sea, neither of which fits the context. Therefore, 'solitariness' is the most accurate synonym as it directly describes the state of being solitary or secluded.

Sources

1. [1] https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/solitude