Which of the following options is the closest in meaning to the word given below: Circuitous A. cyclic B. indirect C. confusing D. crooked

GATE 2010 · General Aptitude · Synonyms · medium

Answer: The closest synonym to 'Circuitous' is 'indirect'. Answer: B.

1. Analyse the root of 'circuitous': The word comes from Latin 'circuitus' meaning 'going around'. It describes routes or statements that are winding and roundabout rather than direct.
2. Eliminate wrong options: A (cyclic): implies repetition in cycles, not indirectness. C (confusing): means hard to understand, not roundabout. D (crooked): implies dishonesty or physical bending, not a roundabout path. B (indirect): means not straight or direct — aligns perfectly with circuitous.