A sentence with an underlined word is given below. Select the most appropriate antonym for the underlined word. The seminar which Ravi organised proved to be a momentousevent.
Trivial
Finding the Antonym of Momentous
The question asks us to find the most appropriate antonym for the underlined word "momentous" in the sentence: "The seminar which Ravi organised proved to be a momentous event."
First, let's understand the meaning of the word "momentous".
- Momentous: This word describes something of great importance or significance, especially in its relation to future events. A momentous event is one that is very important and likely to affect the future.
Now, let's look at the given options and their meanings:
- Trivial: This means of little value or importance. Something trivial is not significant or serious.
- Futile: This means incapable of producing any useful result; pointless. Something futile is useless or ineffective.
- Vain: This word has a couple of meanings. One is having an excessively high opinion of one's appearance, abilities, or worth (related to vanity). Another meaning is producing no result; useless or pointless.
- Useless: This means not serving any purpose or having any function; effectively at an end. Something useless is not useful or effective.
Comparing Options to Find the Antonym
We are looking for the word that is opposite in meaning to "momentous" (of great importance).
- "Trivial" means of little importance. This is the direct opposite of "momentous".
- "Futile", "Vain" (in the sense of useless), and "Useless" relate to the lack of effectiveness or purpose. While an important event might also be effective, and an unimportant event might be ineffective, the primary opposition is between "great importance" and "little importance".
Therefore, the most appropriate antonym for "momentous" is "trivial".
The seminar being a momentous event means it was very important. The opposite would be that the seminar was an event of little importance, i.e., a trivial event.
Let's summarise the comparison:
| Word | Meaning | Relationship to "Momentous" |
|---|---|---|
| Momentous | Of great importance or significance | Base word |
| Trivial | Of little value or importance | Opposite (Antonym) |
| Futile | Incapable of producing results; useless | Related to effectiveness, not direct opposite of importance |
| Vain | Useless or pointless (or conceited) | Related to effectiveness/purpose, not direct opposite of importance |
| Useless | Not serving any purpose or function | Related to effectiveness/purpose, not direct opposite of importance |
Based on the meanings, "trivial" is the clear antonym for "momentous".
Revision Table: Antonyms for Important Words
| Word | Meaning | Antonym |
|---|---|---|
| Momentous | Very important or significant | Trivial, Unimportant, Insignificant |
| Trivial | Of little importance or value | Important, Significant, Momentous |
| Futile | Pointless, useless, ineffective | Effective, Productive, Useful |
| Vain | Useless, ineffective, pointless (or conceited) | Productive, Useful, Modest (for conceited meaning) |
| Useless | Not useful; ineffective | Useful, Effective, Functional |
Additional Information: Understanding Antonyms
Antonyms are words that have opposite meanings. Understanding antonyms is crucial for building vocabulary and improving language skills.
- Knowing antonyms helps you express contrast effectively.
- Many words can have multiple antonyms depending on the specific context in which they are used.
- Identifying the core meaning of a word in its sentence context is key to finding the best antonym.
- In this case, the core meaning of "momentous" as applied to an event is its "importance" or "significance". Therefore, we seek a word meaning "lack of importance" or "insignificance".
- Words like "futile", "vain", and "useless" often describe the outcome or function, rather than the inherent importance or significance of an event itself, making them less precise antonyms for "momentous" compared to "trivial".
Practicing with antonym pairs helps solidify understanding of word meanings and relationships.
Important Questions from Synonyms or Antonyms
Directions: Each item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four options, (a), (b), (c) and (d). Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response accordingly.
He had the audacity to blame him.
Directions: Each item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four options, (a), (b), (c) and (d). Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response accordingly.
There is exponential growth in the development of the scientific researches in the recent few decades.
Directions : Item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words/group of words (a), (b), (c) and (d). Select the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response in the Answer Sheet accordingly.
The itinerary of the group’s visit to the hills was given to everyone.
Directions : Item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words/group of words (a), (b), (c) and (d). Select the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response in the Answer Sheet accordingly.
All mortal elements are impermanent.
Directions : Item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words (a), (b), (c) and (d). Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response in the Answer Sheet accordingly.
The novel depicts the hapless status of certain sections of society.
