Q.2 Choose the most appropriate word from the options given below to complete the following
sentence.
____________ is the key to their happiness; they are satisfied with what they have.
(A) Contentment (B) Ambition (C) Perseverance (D) Hunger

The correct option is (A) Contentment.

The complete sentence is:

“Contentment is the key to their happiness; they are satisfied with what they have.”

The clue is in the second part: “they are satisfied with what they have.” This directly matches the meaning of contentment.

Detailed explanation of each option

(A) Contentment – correct

• Meaning: A state of being satisfied and at peace with what one has, without constantly wanting more.

• This perfectly matches: “they are satisfied with what they have.”

• So, “Contentment is the key to their happiness” means: their happiness comes from accepting and appreciating what they already have.

(B) Ambition – incorrect

• Meaning: A strong desire to achieve more (success, power, wealth, status, etc.).

• Ambitious people usually want more than what they currently have, not just satisfaction with what they have.

• This contradicts the idea of “satisfied with what they have,” so it does not fit the sentence.

(C) Perseverance – incorrect

• Meaning: The ability to keep going and not give up, even when things are difficult.

• Perseverance helps in reaching goals, but it is not directly about being satisfied with what one already has.

• So it doesn’t logically connect with “they are satisfied with what they have.”

(D) Hunger – incorrect

• Meaning (literal): The feeling of needing food.

• Figurative meaning: A strong desire or craving for something (success, power, money, etc.).

• In both senses, hunger implies lack and longing, which is the opposite of being satisfied.

• So this clearly contradicts “satisfied with what they have.”

Therefore, contentment is the only word that fits both grammatically and logically.

Introduction: Contentment Is the Key to Their Happiness

The sentence “__________ is the key to their happiness; they are satisfied with what they have” is not just a grammar question, but also a powerful life lesson. The best word to complete it is contentment. When we say contentment is the key to their happiness, we mean that their happiness does not come from wealth, ambition, or constant striving, but from being satisfied with what they already have.

This simple sentence combines English vocabulary, logical reasoning, and a philosophical idea about happiness, making it highly relevant for competitive exams, English learners, and anyone interested in personal growth.

Why “Contentment” Is the Right Answer

The full sentence becomes:

“Contentment is the key to their happiness; they are satisfied with what they have.”

This makes sense for two reasons:

• The phrase “satisfied with what they have” clearly describes the meaning of contentment.

• In English, we often say phrases like:

  • “Contentment is the key to happiness.”

  • “Contentment brings inner peace.”

So the word contentment logically and naturally fits the structure and meaning of the sentence.

Meaning of Contentment

Contentment means:

• Feeling satisfied with what you have.

• Not constantly comparing yourself with others.

• Not always chasing more money, status, or possessions.

In real life, people who understand that contentment is the key to their happiness often:

• Feel less stress and anxiety.

• Appreciate small joys.

• Focus more on gratitude than on greed.

This idea is deeply rooted in philosophy, spirituality, and even modern psychology.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

Let’s see why options B, C, and D do not fit the sentence.

Ambition

• Ambition is a strong desire to achieve something more in life.

• Ambitious people are often not satisfied with what they currently have, because their focus is on reaching higher goals.

• So, saying “Ambition is the key to their happiness; they are satisfied with what they have” is contradictory.

Perseverance

• Perseverance is the ability to keep going despite difficulties.

• It is about hard work and persistence, not about being satisfied.

• The sentence talks about satisfaction, not struggle or endurance, so perseverance does not logically fit.

Hunger

• Hunger (literal) means needing food.

• Hunger (figurative) means craving or intense desire for something – success, money, power, etc.

• Both meanings imply lack and wanting more, which is the opposite of “they are satisfied with what they have.”

• So “hunger” completely clashes with the second part of the sentence.

Contentment vs Ambition: Can You Have Both?

Many people think that being content means having no ambition. This is not always true.

• Unhealthy ambition: Never satisfied, always comparing, feeling empty even after achieving goals.

• Healthy contentment with ambition: You are grateful for what you have now, but still work to improve yourself without losing peace.

Even if contentment is the key to their happiness, they may still set goals and grow—but their happiness doesn’t depend only on getting more.

How to Practice Contentment in Daily Life

If you believe that contentment is the key to your happiness, you can:

• Practice gratitude by listing things you already have and value.

• Avoid constant comparison on social media.

• Focus on needs more than endless wants.

• Appreciate relationships, health, and time, not just material things.

These habits strengthen the mindset of being satisfied with what you have, just like the sentence describes.