Her reputation is without a blemish?

1. Analyze the question You're asked to find the word closest in meaning to "blemish" in the sentence: "Her reputation is without a blemish."

2. Explain the concept A blemish is a flaw, mark, or defect that spoils the perfection of something. It can be physical (a blemish on the skin) or figurative (a blemish on someone's character or reputation). Its synonyms include flaw, defect, stain, fault, imperfection.

3. Step-by-step solution Replace "blemish" with each option and see which one keeps the sentence meaning the same:

• A. struggle: "Her reputation is without a struggle." This does not make sense, since a struggle is an effort or fight.
• B. problem: "Her reputation is without a problem." This is close, but a problem is a difficulty to be solved, not a mark on one's character. It is weaker than the best option.
• C. fault: "Her reputation is without a fault." This works. A blemish on reputation means a flaw or fault in one's character or conduct.
• D. blessing: "Her reputation is without a blessing." This is the opposite idea, since a blessing is something good.

4. Answer The correct option is C. fault.

5. Exam tip When a word is new to you, think of whether it has a positive or negative feel. "Blemish" is negative, so you can immediately eliminate "blessing". Then test the remaining options by substituting them into the sentence. Remember also the common phrase "spotless reputation" or "without blemish", which means perfect, with no faults.