Write the antonyms of the following:

How to Approach

This question tests basic English vocabulary. The approach is straightforward: provide the antonym for each word listed. Accuracy and precision are key. There's no need for elaborate explanations or contextualization beyond providing the direct opposite meaning. The answer should be presented clearly and concisely, ideally in a list format for easy readability. Focus on commonly accepted antonyms.

Model Answer

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Introduction

Antonyms are words that have opposite meanings. Understanding antonyms is fundamental to language comprehension and effective communication. While some words have multiple antonyms depending on context, the goal here is to provide the most commonly recognized and direct opposite. This exercise assesses a candidate’s basic linguistic competence, a skill crucial for clear and concise writing in the UPSC Mains examination. The ability to articulate thoughts accurately relies heavily on a strong vocabulary, including a grasp of antonyms.

Here are the antonyms for the given word:

Antonyms

IMPORTANT - UNIMPORTANT / INSIGNIFICANT / TRIVIAL

While 'unimportant' is the most direct antonym, 'insignificant' and 'trivial' can also be used depending on the specific nuance desired. 'Insignificant' suggests a lack of consequence, while 'trivial' implies something of little value.

Conclusion

In conclusion, identifying antonyms is a basic yet essential linguistic skill. The provided answer offers the most common and direct antonyms for the given word, along with alternative options to demonstrate a broader vocabulary. Proficiency in such fundamental language skills is crucial for effective communication and clear articulation of ideas in the UPSC Mains examination.

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.

Synonym

A word or phrase that means exactly or nearly the same as another word or phrase in the same language.

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 temperatures. This simple pairing illustrates the core concept of opposing meanings.

Frequently Asked Questions

▶Are there always perfect antonyms?

No, not always. Some words have multiple antonyms depending on the context, and some words may not have a direct opposite. The best antonym depends on the specific meaning being conveyed.

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