Which word describes a lack of speech function?

• A. Aphasia
• B. Bland
• C. Chide
• D. Zealous

Answer: (A)

Aphasia is the term for a disruption or impairment of language abilities, including speaking, understanding, reading, or writing. When a word describes a lack of speech function, aphasia fits because it specifically denotes language trouble rather than mere silence or a different kind of behavior. The other words describe unrelated ideas: bland means dull or tasteless; chide means to scold; zealous means very enthusiastic. So the word for lack of speech function is aphasia.