Understanding the Question: Finding the Antonym

The question asks us to identify the most appropriate antonym for the underlined word 'common' in the sentence: Precious stones are expensive because they are not common. An antonym is a word that has an opposite meaning to another word.

Analyzing the Word 'Common' in the Sentence

In this sentence, 'common' is used to describe the availability or frequency of precious stones. The phrase "not common" tells us why they are expensive. If something is not common, it means it is not found frequently or in large quantities. So, 'common' in this context means frequently found, widespread, or ordinary in terms of availability.

We are looking for a word that means the opposite of being frequently found or widespread.

Evaluating the Given Options

Let's examine each option to determine which one is the best antonym for 'common' in this specific sentence.

Option 1: Abundant

Abundant means existing or available in large quantities; plentiful. If precious stones were abundant, they would be very common and likely not expensive. 'Abundant' is closer in meaning to 'common' (in terms of being widespread) than its opposite.

Option 2: Rare

Rare means not occurring very often or existing in very small quantities; infrequent. If precious stones are not common, it means they are rare. Rarity is the reason why precious things are often expensive. This word directly opposes the meaning of 'common' as used in the sentence (frequently found).

Option 3: Natural

Natural means existing in or derived from nature; not artificial. While precious stones are natural, this word describes their origin, not how frequently they are found. It is not related to the concept of being common or uncommon.

Option 4: Extinct

Extinct means no longer in existence. This word implies that something has completely disappeared. Precious stones still exist, they are just difficult to find in large amounts. 'Extinct' is a much stronger term than the opposite of 'common' or 'rare' in this context.

Identifying the Correct Antonym for Common

Comparing the options, the word that best represents the opposite of 'common' (meaning frequently found) is 'rare' (meaning infrequently found). The sentence itself supports this: precious stones are expensive because they are not common, which is another way of saying they are expensive because they are rare.

Revision Table: Antonyms Explained

Additional Information: Vocabulary Building

Understanding the nuances of word meanings, especially based on context, is crucial for vocabulary building. Here are a few extra points:

• The word 'common' is polysemous, meaning it has multiple meanings. Always consider the context to determine the correct meaning and its antonym.
• Antonyms can sometimes have shades of meaning. 'Uncommon' is also an antonym of 'common', but 'rare' often implies a higher degree of infrequency or scarcity.
• Words like 'abundant' and 'rare' are on opposite ends of a spectrum related to quantity and frequency.