Correct Answer: C. Cow
Replacing a masculine noun with its feminine counterpart involves identifying the gender-specific form of the word. For example, “king” becomes “queen,” and “actor” becomes “actress.” Traditionally, a language used specific masculine and feminine forms to refer to men and women separately. However, in modern times, many professions and roles use gender-neutral terms to promote equality, like replacing “steward” or “stewardess” with “flight attendant.” This shift helps avoid gender bias and ensures inclusivity.
Explanation of Options:
- Bullock: This is another term for a male ox or castrated bull. This term doesn’t indicate the feminine counterpart and is therefore incorrect.
- Mare: A mare is a female horse. While it is a feminine noun, it doesn’t correspond to “ox” and is unrelated in this context.
- Cow: A cow is the female counterpart of an ox. The masculine noun “ox” is correctly replaced by the feminine noun “cow.” Thus, this is the correct answer.
- Vixen: A vixen refers to a female fox. While it is a feminine noun, it does not match “ox” and is unrelated in this context.
Why Cow is the Correct Answer for Replace the Masculine Noun with its Feminine Counterpart: It was quite hard to tame the ox on that evening
Oxen and cows belong to the same species, and their gender differentiation is expressed through these specific nouns. The question requires you to identify the feminine equivalent of “ox,” which is “cow.”
Masculine Noun and Feminine Noun: Definition
In English (and many other languages), nouns can have masculine and feminine forms, especially when referring to people and animals. Here are the definitions of masculine nouns and feminine nouns:
Masculine Noun: A noun that refers to a male person, animal, or being.
Feminine Noun: A noun that refers to a female person, animal, or being.
Common Examples of Masculine Nouns and its Feminine Counterpart:
Masculine Noun | Feminine Noun |
Father | Mother |
Son | Daughter |
Brother | Sister |
Husband | Wife |
Uncle | Aunt |
Nephew | Neice |
Grandfather | Grandmother |
Actor | Actress |
Waiter | Waitress |
Host | Hostess |
Prince | Princess |
Emperor | Empress |
Duke | Duchess |
Bachelor | Spinster |
Hero | Heroine |
Lion | Lioness |
Tiger | Tigress |
Cock | Hen |
Common Doubts: