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Misfit Sentence/Odd One Out Question
Question 28: Five sentences related to a topic are given below. Four of them can be put together to form a meaningful and coherent short paragraph. Identify the odd one out. Choose its number as your answer and key it in.
1. One argument is that actors that do not fit within a single, well-defined category may suffer an âillegitimacy discountâ.
2. Others believe that complex identities confuse audiences about an organizationâs role or purpose.
3. Some organizations have complex and multidimensional identities that span or combine categories, while other organizations possess narrow identities.
4. Identity is one of the most important features of organizations, but there exist opposing views among sociologists about how identity affects organizational performance.
5. Those who think that complex identities are beneficial point to the strategic advantages of ambiguity, and organizationsâ potential to differentiate themselves from competitors.
Solution with Explanation
Answer: 1
Detailed explanation by Wordpandit:
After reading the sentence-options twice, we can clearly see that the coherent paragraph is supposed to be about the identities portrayed by organizations. There is a clear hint in this particular question, as Options 2, 3, 4, and 5 clearly talk about organizational identities, and only Sentence-1 talks about actors.
If we further analyse the sentences:
Sentence-4 would clearly begin the paragraph as it introduces the main idea that identity is extremely important for organizations, and how there exist two opposing views.
This will be followed by Sentence-3 which describes the two kinds of organizational identities.
Sentences 5 and 2 (in this order) provide details about the thought-process of the people who favour each of the two identities.
However, Sentence-1 states that actors who do not fit a mould/category tend to suffer.
Hence, Sentence-option 1 is the odd one out.
Word-1: Illegitimacy
Context:
"One argument is that actors that do not fit within a single, well-defined category may suffer an âillegitimacy discountâ." - Source Unknown
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Illegitimacy" refers to the state of being not accepted as proper, valid, or in accordance with established norms or standards. In this context, it is used metaphorically in a business or social classification settingâsuggesting that individuals or organizations that donât clearly belong to a recognized category may be perceived as less credible or trustworthy, and thus "discounted" or undervalued. The term highlights how deviations from traditional or expected forms can lead to marginalization.
Meaning: The state of being not in accordance with accepted standards, rules, or legitimacy (Noun)
Pronunciation: il-ih-JIT-uh-muh-see
Difficulty Level: âââ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin il- (not) + legitimus (âlawful, legitimateâ), originally referring to birth status but now used more broadly.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Illegitimacy isnât just about legal statusâitâs also about perception. Whether in careers, branding, or identity, stepping outside clearly defined norms can create a sense of 'otherness.' Sometimes, that's a barrierâbut it can also be an opportunity to challenge and reshape the status quo.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: invalidity, unlawfulness, inauthenticity, informality
Antonyms: legitimacy, validity, legality, authenticity
Usage Examples:
- The company struggled with the perception of illegitimacy because it operated outside traditional industry boundaries.
- Historically, the concept of illegitimacy was unfairly applied to children born outside of marriage.
- Artists who blend genres often face the challenge of illegitimacy in formal awards and recognition.
- The startup faced an illegitimacy discount because it didnât align with investorsâ typical categories.
Cultural Reference:
In sociology and institutional theory, the âillegitimacy discountâ describes how ambiguity or category-spanning roles can lead to lower perceived value in markets or public perception.
Think About It:
Is it better to fit into a known category for acceptanceâor to risk illegitimacy by standing out in your own way?
Quick Activity:
Think of a person, company, or brand that didnât initially fit conventional norms. What strategies did they use to overcome perceptions of illegitimacy?
Memory Tip:
Break it down: âil-â means ânotâ and âlegitimacyâ means being accepted or lawfulâso âillegitimacyâ = not accepted as proper or rightful.
Real-World Application:
In business, startups or professionals who blur categories may face skepticismâbut with time and strategic positioning, they can redefine legitimacy and even become trendsetters.
Word-2: Discount
Context:
"One argument is that actors that do not fit within a single, well-defined category may suffer an âillegitimacy discountâ." - Source Unknown
Explanatory Paragraph:
While âdiscountâ often refers to a reduction in price, in this context it is used metaphorically to mean a reduction in perceived value or legitimacy. The phrase âillegitimacy discountâ suggests that individuals or organizations that donât fit neatly into recognized categories may be undervalued, overlooked, or not taken as seriously, simply because they defy conventional classification. This conceptual âdiscountingâ can lead to fewer opportunities, lower support, or reduced credibility.
Meaning: A reduction in value, price, or importance; to regard or represent something as less significant (Noun/Verb)
Pronunciation: DIS-kount (noun), dis-KOUNT (verb)
Difficulty Level: ââ Basic to Intermediate
Etymology: From Old French descompte (deduction), from Latin discomputare (âto count out, deductâ).
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a great example of a metaphorical use of a common word. âDiscountâ here is not about price tagsâitâs about perception. Being âdiscountedâ means being undervalued, not taken seriously, or judged unfairly. Itâs a word that helps us understand subtle biases and social dynamics.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: devalue, underappreciate, reduce, minimize, dismiss
Antonyms: value, appreciate, recognize, esteem, validate
Usage Examples:
- The artistâs work was unfairly discounted due to her unconventional style.
- Startups that donât fit standard business models often face an initial discount from investors.
- He dismissed the suggestion, giving it a mental discount without full consideration.
- She refused to discount the importance of intuition in decision-making.
Cultural Reference:
In sociology and organizational theory, the term âillegitimacy discountâ is used to describe how entities that span or defy categories often face a credibility penaltyânot because of performance, but due to perceptual bias.
Think About It:
Have you ever felt "discounted" because you didnât fit a conventional mold? How did it affect your choices or confidence?
Quick Activity:
List two areas in your life where you feel your efforts are fairly valued, and two where they might be "discounted." Why do you think that is?
Memory Tip:
Think of a literal discount (price reduction), and apply it mentally: when people are âdiscounted,â they are unfairly *reduced in perceived value.*
Real-World Application:
Understanding the idea of a âdiscountâ in perception helps in marketing, leadership, diversity work, and educationâwhere recognition and validation are key to fair treatment and opportunity.
Word-3: Multidimensional
Context:
"Some organizations have complex and multidimensional identities that span or combine categories, while other organizations possess narrow identities." - Source Unknown
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Multidimensional" refers to having many different aspects, features, or layers. In the context of organizational identity, it describes organizations that cannot be neatly placed into a single category because they operate across multiple fields, offer diverse services, or express varied values. This complexity can offer flexibility and innovation, but it may also challenge public or market perception, especially when clarity or simplicity is expected.
Meaning: Having or involving several distinct aspects, features, or perspectives (Adjective)
Pronunciation: mul-tee-dih-MEN-shuh-nl
Difficulty Level: âââ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin multi- (âmanyâ) + âdimensionâ (from Latin dimensio, meaning âa measuringâ) + suffix â-al.â
Prashant Sir's Notes:
When you see âmultidimensional,â think of richness and depth. Whether you're talking about a character in a novel, a brand, or even your own personalityâbeing multidimensional means you canât be reduced to one label. Itâs a strength, even when the world craves simplicity.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: complex, multifaceted, layered, diverse, versatile
Antonyms: one-dimensional, simple, narrow, unvaried
Usage Examples:
- The film offered a multidimensional portrayal of its lead character, blending humor, vulnerability, and resilience.
- Modern companies often have multidimensional identities that include tech, social impact, and design innovation.
- Her analysis was multidimensional, taking into account historical, cultural, and economic perspectives.
- Multidimensional branding can help companies reach broader audiences but may confuse some consumers.
Cultural Reference:
In psychology, intelligence is now often seen as multidimensionalânot just IQ, but emotional, spatial, interpersonal, and creative intelligence form part of the full picture.
Think About It:
Is being multidimensional always an advantage, or can it sometimes make you harder to understand or categorize?
Quick Activity:
Write down 3 dimensions of your identity (e.g., student, artist, environmentalist). How do these different roles intersectâand do they ever conflict?
Memory Tip:
âMultiâ means many, and âdimensionalâ comes from dimensionsâso a multidimensional person or thing has *many sides or perspectives*.
Real-World Application:
In business, education, and leadership, multidimensional thinking helps address complex problems by integrating multiple perspectivesâan essential skill in todayâs interconnected world.
Word-4: Ambiguity
Context:
"Those who think that complex identities are beneficial point to the strategic advantages of ambiguity, and organizationsâ potential to differentiate themselves from competitors." - Source Unknown
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Ambiguity" refers to a situation or expression that can have more than one meaning, or is unclear or open to multiple interpretations. In the context of organizational identity, ambiguity can actually be advantageousâallowing a company or brand to appeal to different audiences, adapt to changing markets, or innovate beyond fixed categories. Although ambiguity can sometimes lead to confusion, it can also offer strategic flexibility and room for creative interpretation.
Meaning: The quality of being open to more than one interpretation; inexactness or uncertainty (Noun)
Pronunciation: am-bih-GYOO-uh-tee
Difficulty Level: âââ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin ambiguus (âhaving double meaning, uncertainâ) from ambigere (âto wander, waverâ).
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Ambiguity is a double-edged sword. In language and branding, it can either confuse peopleâor spark curiosity and interpretation. The key is in how itâs managed: unintentional ambiguity can create misunderstanding, while strategic ambiguity can offer freedom and adaptability.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: vagueness, uncertainty, obscurity, double meaning, equivocation
Antonyms: clarity, precision, certainty, transparency
Usage Examples:
- The ambiguity in his answer left everyone confused about his true intentions.
- Some brands use visual ambiguity in their logos to provoke curiosity and discussion.
- In literature, ambiguity often adds depth and invites multiple interpretations.
- Strategic ambiguity allows leaders to keep options open while managing diverse stakeholders.
Cultural Reference:
In politics and diplomacy, âconstructive ambiguityâ is often usedâintentionally vague language that helps opposing sides agree without fully committing to one interpretation.
Think About It:
When does ambiguity empower communicationâand when does it weaken it? Can we ever completely eliminate ambiguity from complex situations?
Quick Activity:
Write a sentence that could have two different meanings. Then explain both interpretations. What causes the ambiguity?
Memory Tip:
Think of "ambi-" meaning âbothâ and "-guity" like âgoâ or âleadââso ambiguity leads in *both* directions, not just one.
Real-World Application:
Ambiguity is used in branding, storytelling, law, politics, and managementâwhere flexible language or identity can serve strategic purposes, foster innovation, or create space for multiple audiences.
Word-5: Differentiate
Context:
"Those who think that complex identities are beneficial point to the strategic advantages of ambiguity, and organizationsâ potential to differentiate themselves from competitors." - Source Unknown
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Differentiate" means to recognize or show the difference between things, or to make something stand out as distinct from others. In business and branding, to differentiate oneself means to highlight what makes a product, service, or organization unique or better than competitors. In the given context, organizations with complex or ambiguous identities may use those traits strategically to stand outâto differentiate themselves in a crowded or competitive market.
Meaning: To recognize or show the difference between things; to make something distinct or unique (Verb)
Pronunciation: dif-uh-REN-shee-ayt
Difficulty Level: ââ Basic to Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin differentiare, from differentia ("difference"), derived from dif-ferre ("to carry apart").
Prashant Sir's Notes:
To succeedâin academics, careers, or marketsâyou must differentiate yourself. This doesnât always mean being radically different; sometimes, itâs about subtle positioning. In a sea of sameness, even small distinctions can be powerful.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: distinguish, separate, set apart, characterize, individualize
Antonyms: merge, assimilate, confuse, generalize, homogenize
Usage Examples:
- Successful brands differentiate themselves through unique design and messaging.
- The applicant differentiated herself with a bold portfolio and innovative thinking.
- Can you differentiate between genuine and fake enthusiasm?
- Complex identity can help organizations differentiate in dynamic industries.
Cultural Reference:
In marketing, âproduct differentiationâ is a key strategy where businesses emphasize unique features, benefits, or qualities to stand out and gain competitive advantage.
Think About It:
Whatâs one quality that differentiates you from your peers, and how can you leverage it more intentionally?
Quick Activity:
Choose any brand or public figure you admire. List three traits that differentiate them from their competitors or contemporaries.
Memory Tip:
âDifferentiateâ comes from âdifferenceââso itâs all about showing what sets something or someone *apart* from the rest.
Real-World Application:
In careers, branding, leadership, and innovation, differentiation is criticalâthose who effectively differentiate gain attention, trust, and loyalty in crowded environments.
