All India Bar Examination (AIBE) 3-III Previous Year Question Papers with Answers

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63.

A signed a lease agreement with B. The lease document states that A would lease his 'food- supermarket' to B. Which of the following statements is the most accurate application of the principle regarding the meaning of 'supermarket' here?


Principle :

The meaning of a word is or may be known from the accompanying words.

A: The meaning of 'supermarkeť is' limited by the preceding word to mean a shop that sells food and other fast-moving consumer goods.
B: The meaning of 'supermarket' is enhanced by the preceding word to mean a shop where food is also sold.
C: The meaning of 'supermarket' is limited by the preceding word to mean a shop selling of items of food.
D: The meaning of 'supermarket' automatically includes the selling of items of food as well as various other consumer goods.
E: The meaning of 'supermarket' is supported by the preceding word to mean a shop selling highly nutritious items of food.

The answer is: C

Explanation

The correct option is C: The meaning of 'supermarket' is limited by the preceding word to mean a shop selling of items of food.

According to the principle given, the meaning of a word is or may be known from the accompanying words. This means that the context and scope of a word may be determined by the words that are used along with it. This is also known as the rule of noscitur a sociis, which means "it is known from its associates". The rule of noscitur a sociis aims to avoid ambiguity, absurdity, or inconsistency that may arise from a literal or isolated interpretation of a word.

In this case, A signed a lease agreement with B. The lease document states that A would lease his 'food- supermarket' to B. The word 'supermarket' is preceded by the word 'food'. The word 'food' limits and qualifies the meaning of 'supermarket' to mean a shop that sells items of food. This implies that A's supermarket does not sell other household goods or products that are usually sold in supermarkets, such as beverages, kitchenware, pharmacy products, or pet supplies. The word 'food' also indicates the type and quality of food that is sold in A's supermarket, such as fresh, organic, or processed food. Therefore, the meaning of 'supermarket' is limited by the preceding word to mean a shop selling of items of food.

Option A is incorrect because it expands and modifies the meaning of 'supermarket' to include other fast-moving consumer goods. This contradicts the principle given, which states that the meaning of a word is or may be known from the accompanying words. The word 'food' does not imply or suggest that A's supermarket sells other fast-moving consumer goods, such as toiletries, cosmetics, or stationery. The word 'food' only refers to items that are edible and nutritious.

Option B is incorrect because it reduces and undermines the meaning of 'supermarket' to mean a shop where food is also sold. This contradicts the principle given, which states that the meaning of a word is or may be known from the accompanying words. The word 'food' does not imply or suggest that A's supermarket sells other goods or products that are not related to food, such as clothing, electronics, or furniture. The word 'food' only refers to items that are edible and nutritious.

Option D is incorrect because it ignores and disregards the meaning of 'supermarket' as affected by the preceding word. This contradicts the principle given, which states that the meaning of a word is or may be known from the accompanying words. The word 'food' does not imply or suggest that A's supermarket sells various other consumer goods as well as items of food. The word 'food' only refers to items that are edible and nutritious.

Option E is incorrect because it adds and exaggerates the meaning of 'supermarket' to mean a shop selling highly nutritious items of food. This contradicts the principle given, which states that the meaning of a word is or may be known from the accompanying words. The word 'food' does not imply or suggest that A's supermarket sells only highly nutritious items of food, such as organic, vegan, or gluten-free food. The word 'food' only refers to items that are edible and nutritious.