Direction: Item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words or groups of words. Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response accordingly. His malicious intentions were aborted.
Finding the Antonym of Malicious
The question asks us to find the word that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word "malicious" in the sentence: "His malicious intentions were aborted." To do this, we need to understand the meaning of "malicious" and then look for the option that represents the opposite idea.
What does Malicious Mean?
The word "malicious" describes something that is intended to do harm or is full of ill will. When someone has malicious intentions, they mean to cause trouble or injury to others.
Analyzing the Options for the Opposite Meaning
Let's look at the given options:
- pernicious: This means having a harmful effect, often in a gradual or subtle way. This is similar in meaning to malicious, describing something harmful.
- spiteful: This means showing or caused by malice; filled with ill will or a desire to annoy, frustrate, or hurt someone. This is very close in meaning to malicious, essentially a synonym.
- benevolent: This means well meaning and kindly. Someone with benevolent intentions wants to do good things for others. This is the opposite of intending harm.
- vindictive: This means having or showing a strong or unreasoning desire for revenge. This implies a desire to harm someone in return for a perceived wrong, aligning with the idea of harmful intent, similar to malicious.
Identifying the Antonym
Comparing the options to the meaning of "malicious" (intending harm), we see that "benevolent" (well meaning and kindly) is the direct opposite. Malicious actions aim to hurt, while benevolent actions aim to help or be kind.
| Word | Meaning | Relationship to Malicious |
|---|---|---|
| Malicious | Intending or intended to do harm | The word in question |
| Pernicious | Harmful effect | Synonym (describes something harmful) |
| Spiteful | Showing malice or ill will | Synonym |
| Benevolent | Well meaning and kindly | Antonym (opposite) |
| Vindictive | Desiring revenge (to harm) | Synonym (related to harmful intent) |
Therefore, the word that is opposite in meaning to "malicious" is "benevolent".
Revision Table: Key Vocabulary
| Word | Definition | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Malicious | Intending or intended to do harm | Adjective |
| Pernicious | Having a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way | Adjective |
| Spiteful | Showing or caused by malice; malevolent | Adjective |
| Benevolent | Well meaning and kindly | Adjective |
| Vindictive | Having or showing a strong or unreasoning desire for revenge | Adjective |
Additional Information: Expanding Vocabulary Skills
Understanding antonyms and synonyms is crucial for improving vocabulary. When you learn a new word like "malicious", try to find both its synonyms (words with similar meaning) and antonyms (words with opposite meaning). This helps you understand the word's range of use and makes it easier to remember. For instance, related words to "malicious" that are not exact synonyms but share a negative connotation include 'wicked', 'cruel', or 'hostile'. Conversely, words related to "benevolent" might include 'kind', 'generous', or 'compassionate'. Practicing identifying these relationships will significantly boost your language skills for exams and everyday communication.
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.
