Direction: Select the most appropriate synonym of the underlined word in the given sentence. The ruins of this building do tell us the story of adefunct organisation.
obsolete
Understanding the Question: Finding a Synonym for 'Defunct'
The question asks us to identify the word from the given options that is the most appropriate synonym for the underlined word "defunct" in the sentence: "The ruins of this building do tell us the story of a defunct organisation."
A synonym is a word or phrase that means exactly or nearly the same as another word or phrase in the same language.
Defining 'Defunct'
The word "defunct" is an adjective. It is used to describe something that is no longer existing or functioning. For example, a defunct company is one that has gone out of business, and a defunct law is one that is no longer in effect.
In the given sentence, "defunct organisation" refers to an organisation that no longer exists or operates, which is why only its ruins remain.
Analyzing the Options for the Synonym of Defunct
Let's examine each option provided:
- obsolete: This word means no longer produced or used; out of date. While often applied to technology or equipment, it can also refer to things that are no longer relevant or functional. An obsolete organisation would be one that is no longer active or in use.
- ancient: This word means belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence. While a defunct organisation might be ancient, the word "ancient" primarily refers to its age or time period, not necessarily the state of being non-functional or non-existent. Not all defunct things are ancient, and not all ancient things are described as simply "defunct" (unless they are, for example, ancient laws no longer in use).
- contemporary: This word means belonging to or occurring in the present. This is the opposite of defunct, which refers to something that is no longer current or existing.
- prominent: This word means important, famous, or noticeable. This relates to significance or visibility, not whether something is existing or functioning.
Determining the Best Synonym
Comparing the meaning of "defunct" (no longer existing or functioning) with the options:
- "Obsolete" strongly matches the idea of something no longer being current, functional, or in use, which is very close to being no longer existing or functioning in the context of an organisation.
- "Ancient" focuses on age, not necessarily function or existence in the same way "defunct" does.
- "Contemporary" is an antonym.
- "Prominent" is unrelated to the state of existence or function.
Therefore, "obsolete" is the most appropriate synonym for "defunct" among the given choices, as it best captures the idea of something having ceased to be active or relevant.
| Word | Meaning | Relevance to 'Defunct' |
|---|---|---|
| Defunct | No longer existing or functioning. | The target word. |
| Obsolete | No longer produced or used; out of date. | Closest synonym, implies no longer active/functional. |
| Ancient | Belonging to the very distant past. | Relates to age, not directly function/existence state. |
| Contemporary | Belonging to the present. | Antonym. |
| Prominent | Important or famous. | Unrelated meaning. |
Revision Table: Key Vocabulary for Synonyms
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Defunct | Adjective | No longer existing or functioning. | The old railway line is now defunct. |
| Obsolete | Adjective | No longer produced or used; out of date. | Typewriters are largely obsolete now. |
| Ancient | Adjective | Belonging to the very distant past. | The pyramids are ancient structures. |
| Contemporary | Adjective | Belonging to or occurring in the present. | Contemporary art is fascinating. |
| Prominent | Adjective | Important or famous. | He is a prominent figure in politics. |
Additional Information: Exploring Synonyms and Antonyms
Understanding synonyms and antonyms is crucial for building vocabulary and improving comprehension. Synonyms help us express the same idea using different words, adding variety to our language. Antonyms, words with opposite meanings, help clarify the meaning of a word by contrast.
For 'defunct':
- Synonyms: extinct, inactive, inoperative, non-existent, obsolete, unused.
- Antonyms: active, alive, existing, functioning, operative.
When choosing the best synonym from a list of options, always consider the context of the sentence. The word "defunct" used to describe an "organisation" implies it has stopped operating or existing. Both "obsolete" and "non-existent" are close, but "obsolete" often implies something that was once functional or relevant but is no longer, fitting the context of a former organisation well.
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.
