Understanding the Question: Finding the Antonym of Discourage

The question asks us to find the most appropriate antonym (a word meaning the opposite) for the word "(discourage)" as used in the given sentence: "It would effectively rouse people's ardour to invest, and help to (discourage) the transfer of capital abroad."

In this context, "discourage" means to deter someone from doing something, to make them less likely to do it, or to prevent it. So, we are looking for a word that means the opposite: to encourage, convince, or make someone more likely to do something.

Let's analyze the given options:

• Industrious: This word describes someone who is diligent and hardworking. It relates to effort, not to influencing someone's decision to do something. Therefore, it is not an antonym of discourage.
• Construe: This word means to interpret or understand something in a particular way. It is related to comprehension, not to influencing actions. Thus, it is not an antonym of discourage.
• Persuade: This word means to convince someone to do something through reasoning, argument, or urging. This is the direct opposite of discouraging someone from doing something. If you persuade someone to do something, you encourage them and make them willing to do it, whereas discouraging them makes them unwilling or hesitant.
• Intolerable: This word means unable to be endured or tolerated; unacceptable. It describes something unpleasant or unbearable, not an action influencing someone's decision to do something. Therefore, it is not an antonym of discourage.

Based on the analysis, the word that is the most appropriate antonym for "discourage" in this sentence is "persuade". If something helps to "persuade" the transfer of capital abroad, it encourages or convinces people to do it, which is the opposite of discouraging it.

Step-by-Step Antonym Identification

1. Understand the meaning of the target word: "Discourage" means to deter or prevent.
2. Understand the context: The sentence talks about influencing the transfer of capital. Discouraging transfer means trying to stop it.
3. Look for an opposite meaning among the options: We need a word meaning to encourage or convince to transfer capital.
4. Evaluate each option:
   • Industrious - relates to effort, not influence.
   • Construe - relates to interpretation, not influence.
   • Persuade - relates to convincing someone to act, which is the opposite of deterring.
   • Intolerable - relates to something being unacceptable.
5. Select the best antonym: "Persuade" is the most fitting antonym.

Antonym Pair: Discourage vs. Persuade

The words "discourage" and "persuade" are clear antonyms in the context of influencing someone's actions or decisions. To discourage is to deter or dissuade, while to persuade is to encourage or convince.

Revision Table: Vocabulary Practice

Additional Information: Building Vocabulary for Antonyms

Finding antonyms is a crucial part of vocabulary building for exams. Here are some tips:

• Understand the Context: The meaning of a word can change slightly depending on how it's used in a sentence. Always read the sentence carefully.
• Break Down the Word: Look for prefixes (like 'dis-' in discourage, which often indicates negation or reversal) or suffixes that might give clues about the word's meaning.
• Think of Related Words: What synonyms or similar words come to mind? Then, think of the opposite of those words.
• Learn Word Roots: Understanding Latin or Greek roots can help you guess the meaning of unfamiliar words and their opposites.
• Practice Regularly: Use flashcards, vocabulary apps, or read widely to encounter new words and their antonyms naturally.
• Use a Thesaurus: A thesaurus is helpful for finding synonyms and antonyms, but always verify the meaning in a dictionary and check the context.

Regular practice with vocabulary questions involving antonyms and synonyms will improve your ability to quickly identify the correct answers during exams.