Question

The word “Pernicious” means

• A. Harmless but noticeable
• B. Gradually harmful or destructive
• C. Openly aggressive
• D. Extremely confusing

Hint:

Words like pernicious, insidious, and detrimental often describe slow or hidden harm — watch for clues like “gradual” or “long-term.”

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: The word \textit{pernicious} is a formal English vocabulary term derived from the Latin word \textit{perniciosus}, meaning “deadly” or “destructive.” It is commonly used in academic writing, essays, and comprehension passages. Explanation: \textit{Pernicious} refers to something that causes harm in a subtle, gradual, or hidden way. Unlike immediate or visible harm, pernicious effects develop slowly over time and may not be easily noticed at first. For example: \begin{itemize} \item Smoking has pernicious effects on long-term health. \item The spread of misinformation can have a pernicious impact on society. \end{itemize} Option (A) is incorrect because \textit{harmless} is the opposite of pernicious. Option (C) suggests aggression, but pernicious harm is usually indirect or gradual rather than openly violent. Option (D) refers to confusion, which relates more to words like \textit{obscure} or \textit{bewildering}. Thus, option (B) correctly captures the meaning of the word.