Write the opposite of the following words :

How to Approach

This question tests basic English vocabulary. The approach is straightforward: provide the antonym (opposite) for each given word. Accuracy and precision are key. There's no need for elaborate explanations or contextualization; simply listing the correct opposites is sufficient. The answer should be concise and directly address the question. No specific structure is required beyond a clear listing of opposites.

Model Answer

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Introduction

The ability to understand and utilize antonyms is fundamental to language proficiency. Antonyms are words with opposite meanings, and recognizing them is crucial for effective communication, reading comprehension, and writing. This question assesses a candidate’s basic vocabulary and understanding of semantic relationships between words. Providing accurate opposites demonstrates a solid grasp of the English language, a necessary skill for navigating the UPSC examination and subsequent administrative duties.

Here are the opposites of the given words:

Opposites

IMPORTANT - UNIMPORTANT / INSIGNIFICANT / TRIVIAL

While several words can function as opposites depending on the context, the above options are the most direct and commonly accepted antonyms for 'important'. 'Unimportant' is the most straightforward negation. 'Insignificant' suggests a lack of consequence, and 'trivial' implies something of little value.

Conclusion

In conclusion, accurately identifying antonyms is a basic yet essential language skill. The provided opposites – unimportant, insignificant, and trivial – effectively convey the contrasting meaning to ‘important’. This demonstrates a fundamental understanding of English vocabulary, which is crucial 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.

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Additional Resources

Key Definitions

Antonym

A word opposite in meaning to another. For example, "hot" is an antonym of "cold."

Semantic Relationship

The relationship between words based on their meanings. Antonymy is one type of semantic relationship, alongside synonymy (similar meaning), hyponymy (inclusion), and meronymy (part-whole).

Key Statistics

The English language is estimated to contain around 171,476 words in current use, and 47,156 obsolete words (Oxford English Dictionary, 2023 - knowledge cutoff).

Source: Oxford English Dictionary

Research suggests that native English speakers typically know between 20,000 and 35,000 words (Cambridge Dictionary, 2023 - knowledge cutoff).

Source: Cambridge Dictionary

Examples

Day and Night

The words "day" and "night" are classic examples of antonyms, representing opposite times of the 24-hour cycle. This illustrates a fundamental binary opposition in language.

Frequently Asked Questions

▶Is there always a perfect opposite for every word?

No, not always. Some words have multiple possible antonyms depending on the specific context. Additionally, some words may not have a direct opposite, but rather a range of words with related, but not perfectly opposing, meanings.

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