Choose the word that is closest in meaning to the word highlighted in the following sentence: The drought will aggravate our food problems.
worsen
The question asks us to find the word that is closest in meaning to the highlighted word "aggravate" in the sentence: "The drought will aggravate our food problems."
Understanding the Meaning of Aggravate
The word "aggravate" means to make a problem, injury, or offense worse or more serious.
In the context of the given sentence, "The drought will aggravate our food problems," it means that the drought will make the existing food problems worse.
Analyzing the Options
Let's look at the meanings of the given options:
- Develop: To grow or cause to grow and become more mature, advanced, or elaborate. This does not mean to make something worse.
- Ameliorate: To make something better or more bearable. This is the opposite of aggravate.
- Worsen: To make or become worse. This meaning matches the meaning of aggravate.
- Control: To determine the behavior or supervise the running of. This does not mean to make something worse.
Comparing Meanings: Aggravate vs. Options
| Word | Meaning | Relationship to 'Aggravate' |
|---|---|---|
| Aggravate | To make worse | Target word |
| Develop | To grow, advance | Not related |
| Ameliorate | To make better | Opposite |
| Worsen | To make worse | Closest meaning / Synonym |
| Control | To manage, supervise | Not related |
From the analysis, the word "worsen" has a meaning that is very close to "aggravate". Both terms are used to indicate that a situation or problem is becoming more severe or difficult.
Conclusion
Based on the meaning of "aggravate" and the analysis of the options, the word closest in meaning to "aggravate" in the given sentence is "worsen".
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.
