Give the antonyms of the following words :

How to Approach

This question tests basic English vocabulary. The approach is straightforward: provide the direct antonym for each given word. Accuracy is paramount. No elaborate explanation is needed, but clarity and correct spelling are essential. The answer should be presented in a clear, list-like format for easy readability. Focus on the most common and widely accepted antonyms.

Model Answer

0 min read

Introduction

Antonyms are words that have opposite meanings. Understanding antonyms is fundamental to language comprehension and effective communication. This exercise assesses a candidate’s basic English language proficiency, a crucial skill for both writing and understanding complex concepts within the UPSC syllabus. The ability to quickly and accurately identify antonyms demonstrates a strong grasp of vocabulary, which is essential for articulating nuanced arguments and interpreting diverse perspectives.

Here are the antonyms of the given words:

Antonyms

IMPORTANT - UNIMPORTANT / TRIVIAL / INSIGNIFICANT

While several words can function as antonyms depending on context, these are the most direct and commonly used opposites of 'important'. 'Unimportant' is the most direct negation. 'Trivial' suggests a lack of value or significance, and 'insignificant' implies a small or negligible impact.

Conclusion

In conclusion, identifying antonyms is a fundamental aspect of language proficiency. The ability to quickly and accurately determine opposite meanings is crucial for effective communication and comprehension. This simple exercise highlights the importance of a strong vocabulary base, which is essential for success in the UPSC examination and beyond.

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.

Evaluate your handwritten answer in under a minute

Free trial available • Trusted by 1,00,000+ aspirants

Additional Resources

Key Definitions

Antonym

A word opposite in meaning to another.

Vocabulary

The totality of words known to an individual.

Key Statistics

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

Source: Merriam-Webster Dictionary (Knowledge Cutoff: 2023)

Research suggests that knowing just 3,000 word families provides coverage for approximately 80% of most texts.

Source: Nation, I. S. P. (2013). *Learning vocabulary in another language*. Cambridge University Press. (Knowledge Cutoff: 2023)

Examples

Hot and Cold

“Hot” and “cold” are classic examples of antonyms, representing opposite ends of the temperature spectrum. This illustrates a direct opposition in meaning.

Frequently Asked Questions

▶What is the difference between antonyms and synonyms?

Synonyms are words with similar meanings, while antonyms are words with opposite meanings. For example, "happy" and "joyful" are synonyms, while "happy" and "sad" are antonyms.

Back to all ENGLISH-COMPULSORY 2012 questions