While receiving the award, the scientist said, "I feel vindicated". Which of the following is closest in meaning to the word 'vindicated'?
A. Punished B. Substantiated C. Appreciated D. Chastened
GATE 2014 · General Aptitude · Synonyms · medium
Answer: B. Substantiated
Analyze 'vindicated' in the speaker's emotional context: The scientist says 'I feel vindicated' upon receiving an award — this implies they had previously faced doubt or criticism, and the award proves they were right all along.
Evaluate each option: Punished (A) = penalized — opposite meaning. Substantiated (B) = proven by evidence — matches vindicated. Appreciated (C) = recognized/thanked — does not carry the specific 'proven right after doubt' nuance. Chastened (D) = humbled/subdued — opposite mood.
Confirm the answer: 'I feel substantiated' captures the idea that the scientist's work has been proven right and validated by the recognition. This aligns with vindicated.