English Antonyms

Antonyms

Synonyms are words which have opposite in meaning of the given word.

`=>` Do's and Don'ts of Mastering Synonyms for NDA Exams

`=>` Do's

`=>` Read as much as you can. This is old golden rule to improve vocabulary in the easiest way. Over a period we will recommend some great books to read and send you pdf versions of these books. We will also have short quizzes at the end of each chapter so that you read the books attentively.

These books have been selected by our editorial board on the basis that these books are interesting and are full of words suitable for NDA Exam.

`=>` Learn the meaning of the words and their usage at a good pace on daily basis.

`=>` search Google for the meaning and usage of a word whenever you come across a new word.

`=>` Learn the meaning of words from their roots. This method has been explained with examples in next section.

`=>` During the examination, you must carefully examine each option before choosing the correct one. If you are stuck, using the word in a sentence and then doing the same with each of the options may help bring some clarity

`=>` In case you are unable to choose between two given options, it is preferable to choose the word which matches the degree of the word in question. For instance, the word ‘obese’ would be most similar in meaning to ‘overweight’ rather than just ‘plump’.


`=>` Keep an eye out for easily confusable words and homophones. These are words that sound alike but may be spelled differently. For instance, ‘bare’ and ‘bear’. These cannot be used interchangeably. Try remembering the context in which you read the word first. This will help clear any confusion.


`=>` Don'ts

`=>` Never learn Synonyms and Antonyms from Thesaurus. Never try to remember Synonyms and Antonyms of a word.

Antonyms

An antonym is a word that means the opposite of the given word. For instance, the antonym of 'hot' is 'cold.' The root words for the word antonym are words 'anti,' meaning 'against' or 'opposite.' and 'onym,' meaning 'name.' Synonyms and antonyms are exactly the opposite.

1. Direct Format
In this format a word is given and out of the given four options, a word is to be selected which is opposite in meaning to the given word. e.g. Which of the given word is opposite in meaning of the words provided?

AMENDING

(a) Alter
(b) Ameliorate
(c) Better
(d) Debase

Explanation (d) 'Amending' means to make alterations or modify. To find the antonym of amending, we have to consider its opposite
meaning i.e., changing for the worse. 'Debase' is the only viable option left among the 4. So, option (d) is the correct choice.


2. Sentence Format

In this format one word of a sentence is highlighted and out of the given four options, a word is to be selected which is opposite in meaning to that of the highlighted word.
e.g. Which of the given words is the antonym of the word written in capital letter?
The city ambulance took the ILL man to a hospital.

(a) decease
(b) moving
(c) life
(d) healthy
Explanation (d) The opposite of 'ill' is 'healthy'. So, the right answer is (d).

How to Improve Your Vocabulary?

The first method that will never run out of fashion and always remain efficient is 'Reading'. Recognizing words through context helps retain their meaning and for this, one has to read and read extensively. The only difference is, your reading style needs to be focused to identify any new word and immediately apply context to assist with inferring the meaning. One needs to understand the context find out if it is suggesting a positive or a negative meaning, are there any contrast clue words or cause and effect clue words, etc.
Q 2733191042

In this section, each item consists of a sentence with a word underlined and is followed by four words. Select the word that is most opposite in meaning to the underlined word and indicate your response in the Answer Sheet accordingly.
My first lecture in the classroom was a `ultext(fiasco.)`
NDA Paper 2 2017
(A)

success

(B)

joy

(C)

fun

(D)

disaster

Solution:


Correct Answer is `=>` (A) success
Q 2733191042

In this section, each item consists of a sentence with a word underlined and is followed by four words. Select the word that is most opposite in meaning to the underlined word and indicate your response in the Answer Sheet accordingly.
Unlike his brother, he is `ultext(affable.)`
NDA Paper 2 2017
(A)

reserved

(B)

twilible

(C)

irritable

(D)

lovable

Solution:


Correct Answer is `=>` (C) irritable
Q 2733191042

In this section, each item consists of a sentence with a word underlined and is followed by four words. Select the word that is most opposite in meaning to the underlined word and indicate your response in the Answer Sheet accordingly.
The birth of his child decidedly proved to be an `ultext(auspicious)` event in his life.
NDA Paper 2 2017
(A)

precious

(B)

ominous

(C)

useless

(D)

unforgettable

Solution:


Correct Answer is `=>` (B) ominous
Q 2733191042

In this section, each item consists of a sentence with a word underlined and is followed by four words. Select the word that is most opposite in meaning to the underlined word and indicate your response in the Answer Sheet accordingly.
It was indeed `ultext(arduous)` to cross streets in New York
NDA Paper 2 2017
(A)

pleasant

(B)

effortless

(C)

interesting

(D)

risky

Solution:


Correct Answer is `=>` (B) effortless
Q 2354334254

Question consists of an underlined word in given sentences. The sentence is followed by four words. Select the word which is most nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word.

He is suffering from a `ul text(severe)` cough.
NDA Paper 2 2016
(A)

violent

(B)

mild

(C)

bad

(D)

continuous

Solution:

'Severe' means harsh or serious. Therefore, option (2)
is nearly opposite to 'severe'.
Correct Answer is `=>` (B) mild
Q 2314334250

Question consists of an underlined word in given sentences. The sentence is followed by four words. Select the word which is most nearly opposite in meaning to the underlined word.

He made a `ul text(shrewd)` guess.
NDA Paper 2 2016
(A)

clever

(B)

wild

(C)

incorrect

(D)

discriminating

Solution:

'Shrewd' means to be right or correct. Therefore,
option (3) is nearly opposite to 'shrewd'.
Correct Answer is `=>` (C) incorrect

 
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