BharatNotes Dilemma
nounUsage in a UPSC answer
Confronted with the classic developmental dilemma of pursuing rapid industrialisation while honouring its climate commitments, India must craft policies that reconcile growth imperatives with the demands of ecological sustainability.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
dilemma (n), dilemmas (n pl), dilemmatic (adj), lemma (n), lemmas (n pl)
Root
Greek di- = having two of; lēmma = premise, proposition; Late Latin dilemma = ambiguous proposition
Etymology
From Late Latin dilemma, from Ancient Greek δίλημμα (dilēmma, "ambiguous proposition"), from δι- (di-, "having two of") + λῆμμα (lēmma, "premise, proposition"); first attested in English in 1523.
Memory Hook
Di- means 'two' (as in dioxide, dual) + lemma 'premise': a DILEMMA traps you between TWO bad options, like being stuck on the horns of a bull.
Seen in UPSC Question Papers
- Mains 2023 · GS4 · 20 marks — Ethics in Public Administration
- Mains 2022 · GS4 · 20 marks — Ethics in Public Administration
- Mains 2016 · GS4 · 12 marks — Administrative Ethics / Social Justice / Rule vs Compassion
Real UPSC previous-year questions whose text uses “Dilemma” — proof this word earns its place on your list.
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