Which of the following words is closest in meaning to “Mandarin”?

Mandarin means an influential official.

• Correct answer - influential person: it has the same meaning as Mandarin.
• sedative: a drug that calms - wrong, it does not mean the same as Mandarin.
• instrument: a tool or musical device - wrong, it does not mean the same as Mandarin.
• excuse: a reason offered for a fault - wrong, it does not mean the same as Mandarin.