Which term is used for physical attractiveness?

• A. Pulchritude
• B. Ransom
• C. Proverb
• D. Shilly-shallying

Answer: (A)

The concept being tested is vocabulary for physical attractiveness. Pulchritude is the formal, literary noun that means physical beauty or attractiveness of appearance. It comes from the Latin pulcher, and you’ll often see it in poetry or elevated prose when commenting on someone’s beauty or the beauty of a scene. The other words don’t fit because ransom refers to money paid for release, a proverb is a short traditional saying, and shilly-shallying means indecision or hesitation. Use pulchritude when you want a precise, formal word for physical beauty.