Direction: Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the word given in brackets to fill in the blank. The smell of _______ (formerly) brewed coffee wafted through the air, beckoning him to start his day.
subsequently
Finding the Antonym of Formerly: A Step-by-Step Guide
The question asks us to find the most appropriate antonym for the word "formerly" from the given options to complete the sentence: "The smell of _______ (formerly) brewed coffee wafted through the air, beckoning him to start his day." An antonym is a word that means the opposite of another word.
Understanding the Word Formerly
The word 'formerly' is an adverb that means:
- In the past; previously.
- At a previous time.
For example, "She was formerly a teacher" means she was a teacher in the past but is not one now.
Analyzing the Options for the Antonym of Formerly
Let's examine each option to see which one is the opposite in meaning to "formerly".
- hitherto: This word means 'up to this point in time' or 'until now'. While it relates to time, it is closer in meaning to 'formerly' (referring to a previous state or time) than its opposite. It is often considered a synonym in certain contexts.
- quickly: This word is an adverb describing the speed at which something happens. It means 'at a fast pace'. This has no relation to whether something happened in the past or will happen in the future. Therefore, it is not an antonym of 'formerly'.
- preserved: This word is usually used to describe something that has been kept in its original state or protected from decay. It relates to condition or state, not the time at which something occurred relative to the present or future. It is not an antonym of 'formerly'.
- subsequently: This word is an adverb meaning 'after a particular thing has happened; afterward'. It refers to something happening at a later time, following something else. This is the opposite of 'formerly', which refers to something happening at a previous time, before something else (like the present).
Comparing the options, "subsequently" clearly presents the opposite meaning of "formerly" in terms of time. "Formerly" looks backward in time, while "subsequently" looks forward from a reference point.
Identifying the Correct Antonym
Based on our analysis of the meanings, "subsequently" is the most appropriate antonym for "formerly".
If we were to place the antonym "subsequently" into the original sentence, it would read: "The smell of subsequently brewed coffee wafted through the air..." While the resulting sentence structure might sound a bit unusual in typical conversation (as "subsequently brewed" implies it was brewed after something else, not just recently), the exercise is specifically asking for the antonym of the word "formerly" from the given options.
| Option | Meaning | Relation to "Formerly" (meaning "previously") |
|---|---|---|
| hitherto | Up to this time; previously | Synonym or similar |
| quickly | At a fast speed | Unrelated |
| preserved | Kept in good condition | Unrelated |
| subsequently | Afterward; at a later time | Antonym |
Therefore, the word that is the opposite of "formerly" among the choices is "subsequently".
Revision Table: Key Vocabulary
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Formerly | Adverb | In the past; previously. |
| Hitherto | Adverb | Up to this time; previously. |
| Subsequently | Adverb | After a particular thing has happened; afterward. |
| Antonym | Noun | A word opposite in meaning to another. |
| Synonym | Noun | A word or phrase that means exactly or nearly the same as another word or phrase. |
Additional Information on Antonyms and Adverbs of Time
Understanding antonyms is a key part of building vocabulary. Antonyms help us express contrast and define concepts more clearly by identifying what they are not. Words can have multiple antonyms depending on the specific nuance of meaning being considered.
Adverbs of time, like "formerly" and "subsequently", indicate when something happens or happened. They can point to the past, present, or future, or relate the timing of one event to another.
- Adverbs pointing to the past: formerly, previously, before, ago, yesterday.
- Adverbs pointing to the future: subsequently, afterward, later, tomorrow, soon.
- Adverbs relating events: subsequently, then, next, while, during.
In this case, "formerly" indicates a time before a reference point (usually the present), while "subsequently" indicates a time after a reference point. This makes them direct antonyms in the context of temporal relation.
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.
