Direction: Select the most appropriate antonym to substitute the underlined word in the given sentence. An unsullied safety record swelled pride in Concorde's technical achievement as the years passed.
Tarnished
Understanding Antonyms: Finding the Opposite of 'Unsullied'
The question asks us to find the most appropriate antonym for the word 'unsullied' as used in the sentence: "An unsullied safety record swelled pride in Concorde's technical achievement as the years passed."
An antonym is a word that has the opposite meaning of another word. To find the antonym, we first need to understand the meaning of the word 'unsullied' in the context of a safety record.
Defining 'Unsullied Safety Record'
- The word 'unsullied' means free from blemishes, pollution, or impurity.
- When used to describe a safety record, 'unsullied' means pure, clean, flawless, or not spoiled by accidents or incidents.
- So, an 'unsullied safety record' indicates a history without any faults or negative marks regarding safety.
Analyzing the Options for Antonym
Let's examine each option provided and determine its meaning:
| Option | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 1. Undefiled | Not spoiled or made impure; pure. |
| 2. Impeccable | In accordance with the highest standards of propriety; faultless. |
| 3. Tarnished | Make or become less bright or shiny; sully; damage the good reputation of (someone or something). |
| 4. Perfect | Having all the required elements, qualities, or characteristics; as good as it is possible to be; flawless. |
Comparing Meanings to Find the Antonym
- 'Unsullied' means pure, flawless, not damaged or spoiled.
- 'Undefiled' means pure, not spoiled. This is a synonym, not an antonym.
- 'Impeccable' means faultless, perfect. This is a synonym or very close in meaning.
- 'Perfect' means flawless, complete, without defect. This is a synonym.
- 'Tarnished' means damaged, spoiled, or having a damaged reputation. This is the opposite of being pure, flawless, or unsullied.
Therefore, 'tarnished' is the word that best represents the opposite meaning of 'unsullied' in the context of a record or reputation.
Conclusion
An 'unsullied safety record' is a perfect, flawless one. The opposite would be a safety record that is damaged or spoiled by incidents. Among the options, 'tarnished' means damaged or sullied, making it the clear antonym.
Revision Table: Vocabulary Review
| Word | Meaning in Context | Relationship to 'Unsullied' |
|---|---|---|
| Unsullied | Pure, flawless, undamaged (record) | Original word |
| Undefiled | Pure, not spoiled | Synonym |
| Impeccable | Faultless, perfect | Synonym/Similar |
| Tarnished | Damaged, spoiled (reputation/record) | Antonym |
| Perfect | Flawless, complete | Synonym |
Additional Information on Antonyms and Synonyms
Understanding antonyms and synonyms is crucial for building strong vocabulary. Synonyms are words with similar meanings, while antonyms have opposite meanings. Sometimes, words can have multiple antonyms depending on the specific context in which they are used. For 'unsullied', other possible antonyms could include 'damaged', 'blemished', or 'spoiled', depending on the phrase it modifies.
Important Questions from Synonyms or Antonyms
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