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UPSC MainsENGLISH-COMPULSORY20115 Marks
Q12.

Write the opposites of the following: 1. Notorious 2. Legitimate 3. Responsible 4. Satisfaction 5. Promotion

How to Approach

This question tests basic English vocabulary and understanding of antonyms. The approach should be straightforward: define each word briefly, then provide its direct opposite. No complex analysis is required. Focus on precision and accuracy in selecting the most appropriate antonym. The answer should be presented in a clear, list format for easy readability.

Model Answer

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Introduction

Vocabulary is a fundamental aspect of effective communication, and understanding antonyms – words with opposite meanings – is crucial for both comprehension and expression. This question assesses a candidate’s grasp of common English words and their corresponding opposites. Accurate identification of antonyms demonstrates a strong command of the language, a skill essential for clear and concise writing in the UPSC Mains examination. The following provides the opposites of the given words.

Opposites of the Given Words

Here are the opposites of the words provided:

  1. Notorious: Obscure, Unknown, Reputable. While several options exist, 'Reputable' is the most direct opposite, implying a good reputation rather than a bad one.
  2. Legitimate: Illegitimate, Invalid, Spurious. 'Illegitimate' directly negates the concept of being lawful or rightful.
  3. Responsible: Irresponsible, Careless, Reckless. 'Irresponsible' is the most fitting antonym, indicating a lack of accountability or dependability.
  4. Satisfaction: Dissatisfaction, Discontent, Frustration. 'Dissatisfaction' is the direct opposite, signifying a lack of contentment.
  5. Promotion: Demotion, Relegation, Degradation. 'Demotion' is the most accurate opposite, representing a lowering of rank or position.

Further Elaboration on Word Choices

It's important to note that some words have multiple antonyms depending on the context. The choices provided above represent the most common and direct opposites. For example, while 'unknown' is an opposite of 'notorious', 'reputable' more directly addresses the quality of being well-regarded versus ill-regarded.

Illustrative Examples

  • A notorious criminal was finally brought to justice, while a reputable citizen received an award for their community service.
  • The legitimate claim was approved by the court, but the illegitimate request was denied.
  • A responsible employee always meets deadlines, whereas an irresponsible one frequently fails to deliver.
  • The customer expressed complete satisfaction with the product, contrasting with the dissatisfaction voiced by others.
  • After years of hard work, she received a well-deserved promotion, but he faced a humiliating demotion due to misconduct.

Conclusion

In conclusion, accurately identifying antonyms requires a solid understanding of word meanings and nuances. The provided opposites – Reputable, Illegitimate, Irresponsible, Dissatisfaction, and Demotion – represent the most direct and commonly accepted antonyms for the given words. A strong vocabulary is a valuable asset in the UPSC Mains examination, enabling candidates to articulate their thoughts with clarity and precision.

Answer Length

This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.

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Additional Resources

Key Definitions

Synonym
A word or phrase that has the same or nearly the same meaning as another word or phrase.

Key Statistics

The average vocabulary size of an educated adult is estimated to be between 20,000 and 35,000 words.

Source: Merriam-Webster Dictionary (as of knowledge cutoff 2023)

Research suggests that approximately 80% of the English language is comprised of only 20% of the most frequently used words.

Source: Oxford English Dictionary (as of knowledge cutoff 2023)

Examples

Hot and Cold

A classic example of antonyms is "hot" and "cold," representing opposite temperatures. This illustrates a fundamental concept of contrasting meanings.

Frequently Asked Questions

▶Why is understanding antonyms important?

Understanding antonyms enhances reading comprehension, improves writing skills, and allows for more nuanced expression. It also aids in critical thinking and problem-solving.

Topics Covered

General EnglishVocabularyWord Meaning
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