Direction: Select the most appropriate synonym of the underlined word in the given sentence. Despite having a lot of work to do, he spent the whole day engaging in frivolous activities like playing video games and watching TV.
worthless
Finding the Synonym for Frivolous
The question asks us to find the most appropriate synonym for the underlined word "frivolous" in the given sentence: "Despite having a lot of work to do, he spent the whole day engaging in frivolous activities like playing video games and watching TV."
Let's first understand the meaning of the word "frivolous" in this context.
Understanding 'Frivolous'
The word "frivolous" is used to describe activities that lack any serious purpose or value. They are often trivial, silly, or unimportant, especially when compared to something serious like work that needs to be done. In the sentence, playing video games and watching TV are presented as frivolous activities because they are done instead of addressing important work.
Now, let's look at the given options and their meanings:
- mischievous: This word describes someone or something that causes trouble in a playful or naughty way. It is related to behaviour, often lighthearted but can be annoying or harmful.
- detestable: This word means deserving intense dislike. It describes something or someone that is hateful or loathsome.
- secretive: This word describes someone who is inclined to conceal their feelings, intentions, or actions. It relates to being private and not open.
- worthless: This word means having no real value or use. It describes something that is without worth, importance, or utility.
We are looking for the word that is most similar in meaning to "frivolous" as used in the sentence.
Let's compare "frivolous" with each option:
| Word | Meaning | How it compares to 'Frivolous' |
|---|---|---|
| Frivolous | Lacking serious purpose or value; trivial. | Target word. |
| Mischievous | Playfully causing trouble. | Does not relate to lack of value or seriousness. |
| Detestable | Deserving intense dislike. | Relates to how something makes you feel, not its inherent value or seriousness. |
| Secretive | Inclined to conceal things. | Relates to openness, not value or seriousness. |
| Worthless | Having no real value or use. | Directly relates to the lack of value or importance, similar to 'frivolous' activities when serious work is ignored. |
Based on the comparison, the word "worthless" is the most appropriate synonym for "frivolous" in the context of the sentence. Activities described as frivolous are seen as having little or no value when they are pursued instead of important tasks. "Worthless" captures this lack of value or purpose.
Revision Table: Understanding Frivolous and its Synonym
| Word | Definition | Example Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Frivolous | Not having any serious purpose or value; silly and trivial. | Spending money on frivolous items instead of saving. |
| Worthless | Having no real value or use. | He considered the old broken toy completely worthless. |
Additional Information on Vocabulary Building
Understanding synonyms is a key part of building a strong vocabulary. Synonyms are words that have similar meanings. However, it's important to remember that synonyms are not always perfectly interchangeable. The best synonym often depends on the specific context in which the word is used.
For example, while "worthless" is a good synonym for "frivolous" in the given sentence's context of activities, "frivolous" can also mean silly or lighthearted in a way that "worthless" might not capture, such as a "frivolous remark." Always consider the sentence when choosing the best synonym.
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.
