Write the antonyms of the following :

How to Approach

This question tests basic English vocabulary. The approach is straightforward: provide the direct antonym for each word listed. Accuracy is paramount. There's no need for elaborate explanations or contextualization beyond ensuring the antonym is appropriate. 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. This exercise assesses a candidate’s grasp of basic English vocabulary, a crucial skill for both comprehending question papers and articulating answers in the UPSC Civil Services Examination. The ability to quickly and accurately identify antonyms demonstrates linguistic proficiency, which is essential for success in all aspects of the exam.

Here are the antonyms for the given word:

Antonyms

IMPORTANT - UNIMPORTANT / INSIGNIFICANT / TRIVIAL

While several words could be considered antonyms, 'unimportant' is the most direct and commonly used opposite of 'important'. 'Insignificant' and 'trivial' also convey a lack of importance, offering alternative, nuanced antonyms.

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, skills vital for success in the UPSC examination. A strong vocabulary base, including a grasp of antonyms, contributes significantly to a candidate’s overall performance.

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 (as of 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*.

Examples

Hot and Cold

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

Frequently Asked Questions

▶Are there always perfect antonyms?

No, not always. Many words have shades of meaning, and finding a perfect opposite can be difficult. Sometimes, the best antonym depends on the context.

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