Directions (Qs. 1 - 15): In each of the questions given below, a sentence is given and in that one word is printed in bold letters, along with five options to choose. Choose the appropriate antonym from those options that suits the word given in bold letters
1. The teacher praised the student for his laudable efforts in completing the project before the deadline.
A) outrageous B) praiseworthy C) commandable D) commendable E) admirable
Explanation: The word “laudable” is an adjective that is used to describe something that is praiseworthy, admirable, or deserving of praise. From the given options, the word “outrageous”, an adjective, which is used ‘to describe something that is shocking or offensive, beyond what is considered reasonable or acceptable’ will be suited as the antonym for the word “laudable”.
Ans: A
2. The criminal was charged with extortion after demanding a large sum of money from the business owner in exchange for not harming their property or employees.
A) force B) reparation C) blackmail D) coercion E) urge
Explanation: The word “Extortion” refers to the act of using threats, violence, or other forms of intimidation to obtain money, property, or some other benefit from someone against their will. The term “reparation” refers to the act of making amends for a wrongdoing or harm caused to someone. It involves offering compensation, apology, or some form of restitution to repair the damage done.
Ans: B
3. The man took the law into his own hands and acted as a vigilante, punishing criminals without legal authority.
A) Avenger B) Crusader C) Conformist D) Zealot E) Guard
Explanation: In this sentence, “vigilante” refers to someone who takes it upon themselves to enforce the law or punish criminals without proper legal authority. A vigilante is typically motivated by a strong sense of justice or a desire to protect their community, but their actions can often be dangerous and illegal. The word “Conformist” means someone who follows the norms and rules of society, even if they disagree with them will be the antonym of ‘vigilante’.
Ans: C
4. The primacy of human life is a fundamental principle of many ethical and moral codes.
A) preeminence B) supremacy C) dominance D) inferiority E) superiority
Explanation: The word “primacy” means the state of being first or most important, or having the highest level of authority or influence. The word “Inferiority” refers to the state of being lower in quality, value, or importance than others will be best suited as the antonym for ‘primacy’.
Ans: D
5. The communitarian values of working together for the common good are deeply ingrained in many cultures around the world.
A) collectivist B) collaborative C) social-minded D) kind E) self-centered
Explanation: A “communitarian” means someone who values the importance of community and working together for the benefit of all. The word “self-centered” is used to describe someone who is excessively focused on their own needs, interests, and desires, often at the expense of others. A self-centered person may be selfish, self-absorbed, and lack empathy or consideration for the feelings of others.
Ans: E
6. It’s best not to meddle in other people’s affairs unless they specifically ask for your help.
A) stay out B) intrude C) interfere D) obtrude E) quarrel
Explanation: The word ‘meddle’ means to interfere in someone else’s business or affairs without taking permission or justification. It’s opposite word from the given options should be the word ‘stay out’ which means to ‘avoid getting involved in someone else's business or affairs.’
Ans: A
7. The CEO assigned the task to a delegation of managers to ensure that it was completed efficiently and effectively.
A) representation B) centralization C) deputization D) empowerment E) welfare
Explanation: “Delegation” means the act of assigning a task or responsibility to a group of people or an individual who is authorized to act on behalf of others. “Centralization” will be its opposite word. In a centralized system, decisions are made at the top level of an organization or government, and lower-level entities follow those decisions without independence.
Ans: B
8. The organization plans to disseminate information about the new policies through social media, email, and other channels.
A) distribute B) broadcast C) conceal D) propagate E) spread
Explanation: In this sentence, the word ‘disseminate’ means to spread information, ideas, or knowledge widely and actively to a large audience. From the given options, the word ‘conceal’ which means to hide or keep something secret or unknown to others suits best as the antonym for ‘disseminate’.
Ans: C
9. The coffee needs time to percolate through the filter before it is ready to drink.
A) filter B) seep C) penetrate D) block E) enter
Explanation: The word ‘percolate’ means to filter or pass through a porous substance gradually, usually in order to extract or absorb something. The word ‘block’ which means to stop or prevent something from passing through or moving freely will be the antonym of ‘percolate’.
Ans: D
10. The loud noise from the construction site perturbed the residents and disrupted their daily routines.
A) anxious B) disturbed C) upset D) angry E) content
Explanation: The word ‘perturbed’ means to be anxious, disturbed, or agitated by something that causes a sense of unease or discomfort. From the given options, the word ‘content’ will be its antonym. As an adjective, the word ‘content’ refers to a state of satisfaction or happiness with one’s situation, circumstances, or possessions.
Ans: E
11. The partisan crowd cheered for their team as they made their way onto the field.
A) impartial B) biased C) partial D) sectarian E) favor
Explanation: The word ‘partisan’ refers to someone who is biased towards a particular group, political party, or cause. ‘Impartial’ will be its antonym. Impartial refers to being unbiased, fair, and not favoring any particular side or party.
Ans: A
12. The flamboyant dancer captivated the audience with his energetic and colorful performance.
A) showy B) reticent C) vivacious D) exuberant E) joyful
Explanation: In this sentence, ‘flamboyant’ describes someone or something that is showy, extravagant, and attention-grabbing. ‘Reticent’ will be its antonym. Reticent refers to being reserved, uncommunicative, or not revealing one’s thoughts or feelings easily. A reticent person is someone who is often quiet, introverted, and hesitant to speak openly or candidly.
Ans: B
13. The company’s egregious disregard for environmental regulations resulted in a efty fine.
A) flagrant B) gross C) inconspicuous D) blatant E) smelly
Explanation: “Egregious” is an adjective that describes something that is extremely bad, shocking, or outstandingly bad in a negative way. It is used to emphasize the seriousness of a situation or behavior. The word ‘inconspicuous’ will be its antonym that which refers to something or someone that is not easily noticeable, attracting little or no attention. In other words, the word ‘inconspicuous’ describes a person or thing that is hidden, camouflaged, or does not stand out in any significant way.
Ans: C
14. The company's board of directors did not envisage the economic downturn when they approved the expansion plan.
A) conceive B) visualize C) foresee D) disregard E) imagine
Explanation: “Envisage” is a verb that means to form a mental picture of something that is likely to happen in the future, or to anticipate or consider a possibility. It can also mean to imagine or predict something that might occur based on what one knows or believes. From the given options, the word ‘disregard’ suits best as an antonym for ‘envisage’. Disregard is a verb that means to pay no attention to something, to ignore or neglect it, or to treat it as unimportant or insignificant.
Ans: D
15. Releasing the confidential information could jeopardize the company’s reputation and future business prospects.
A) endanger B) risk C) imperil D) precarious E) secure
Explanation: The word ‘Jeopardize’ means to put something or someone at risk, to endanger or threaten their safety, well-being, or success. It implies the possibility of harm, damage, or loss due to an action or decision taken. It can also mean to expose something or someone to danger or a potential threat. The word ‘secure’ which means ‘to ensure that something or someone is safe and protected’, will be its antonym.
Ans: E
Some Useful Tips
* Build a strong foundation: Candidates should start learning the basic antonyms and their meanings first. After that, they should try to learn advanced antonyms along with their usage.
* Use context clues: Candidates should pay attention to the context in which the antonym is used. This will help them understand the meaning of the word and its opposite.
* Read extensively: Reading extensively can expose candidates to a wide range of antonyms and their usage. They should try to read a variety of materials such as newspapers, books, and magazines.
