Synonyms and antonyms

NUST NET (Engineering) · English · Vocabulary. A short explanation of the idea, the rules to remember, the mistake to avoid, a worked example and practice questions with answers.

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The idea

These questions give one word in capitals and ask for the option closest in meaning (a synonym) or most nearly opposite (an antonym). There is no sentence to help you, so you need your vocabulary and a calm method.

Before you look at the options, say the meaning to yourself in two or three easy words, or put the word in a short sentence of your own. Then pick the option that matches your phrase. If the word is new, break it into parts: a prefix or root often shows the direction of the meaning, and you can usually tell whether the word is positive or negative.

Always reread the instruction. In an antonym question a synonym is often among the options, waiting for a hurried reader.

Rules to remember

Common mistake

In an antonym question, students see a word with the same meaning and mark it at once. Underline 'opposite' in the instruction and check your answer against it before moving on.

Worked example

Choose the word most nearly opposite in meaning to LENIENT.
A. merciful
B. strict
C. lazy
D. generous

  1. Own definition: lenient = not harsh when punishing, as in 'a lenient judge gave a light sentence'.
  2. The opposite must mean harsh or severe, so the answer has a firm, negative-leaning sense.
  3. A (merciful) is a synonym, which is the trap. C and D have nothing to do with punishment.
  4. B (strict) means firm and severe in applying rules, the opposite of lenient.

Answer: B. strict

Practice questions

Try each one, then open the answer.

1. Choose the word most nearly opposite in meaning to AUGMENT.

  1. A
    increase
  2. B
    diminish
  3. C
    argue
  4. D
    predict
Show answer

Answer: B. To augment is to make something larger; to diminish is to make it smaller. 'Increase' is a synonym.

2. Choose the word closest in meaning to EPHEMERAL.

  1. A
    short-lived
  2. B
    imaginary
  3. C
    fragile
  4. D
    ancient
Show answer

Answer: A. Ephemeral means lasting a very short time (from a Greek word for 'a day'). 'Fragile' things may not last, but ephemeral is about duration, not strength.

3. Choose the word closest in meaning to CORROBORATE.

  1. A
    contradict
  2. B
    cooperate
  3. C
    corrupt
  4. D
    confirm
Show answer

Answer: D. To corroborate a statement is to confirm it with further evidence, as when a second witness backs up the first. 'Contradict' is the opposite.

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