following sentences, choose the word or group of words that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word as it…

Step 1: Analyze the question You are asked to find the word closest in meaning to "commanded" as used in the sentence: "It was she that commanded me to leave the room."

Step 2: Understand the concept To command means to give an authoritative instruction that you expect to be obeyed. It carries the idea of authority and force, not gentle suggestion.

Step 3: Examine each option

• A. encouraged: means to give support or confidence. It is not an instruction, so it doesn't fit.
• B. induced: means to bring about by influence or reasoning, often by gentle pressure. It lacks the authority of a command.
• C. ordered: means to give a direct instruction with authority. This matches "commanded" exactly.
• D. persuaded: means to convince someone through reasoning or argument. A command doesn't involve convincing, so it doesn't fit.

Step 4: Substitute to test "It was she that ordered me to leave the room." The meaning stays the same.

Answer: C. ordered

Exam tip: For "nearest in meaning" questions, always substitute each option into the sentence. Also watch the strength of the word. Command is strong and authoritative, so pick the strong synonym (order), not the soft ones (persuade, encourage).