Understanding the Question: Finding Antonyms

The question asks us to find the word or group of words that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word "constrain" in the given sentence: "There are many factors that constrain the philosophy of job enrichment in practice."

To answer this, we need to understand the meaning of "constrain" in this context and then evaluate the options provided to find the antonym.

Meaning of 'Constrain'

The word "constrain" means to severely restrict the scope, extent, or activity of something. In the sentence, factors that constrain the philosophy of job enrichment are things that limit it, hold it back, or make it difficult to fully implement in practice. Think of these as limitations or barriers to job enrichment.

Analyzing the Options

Let's look at the meanings of the given options:

1. Oblige: To make someone legally or morally bound to an action or course of action; compel or require. This implies forcing or requiring, which is not the opposite of restricting.
2. Pressure: To attempt to persuade or coerce someone into doing something; apply force or influence. Similar to oblige, this involves forcing or influencing, not the opposite of restricting.
3. Restrict: To put a limit on; keep under control. This is very close in meaning to "constrain" (synonym), not the opposite.
4. Support: To bear all or part of the weight of; hold up. More relevant to this context, it means to give assistance to, enable, or encourage the existence or growth of something.

Identifying the Antonym of Constrain

We are looking for a word that means the opposite of limiting or holding back. If factors constrain job enrichment by holding it back, factors that do the opposite would help it, encourage it, or allow it to flourish. The word "support" fits this meaning.

• Factors that constrain job enrichment are obstacles.
• Factors that support job enrichment are enablers or helpers.

Therefore, "support" is the most direct opposite in meaning to "constrain" in this context.

Conclusion

Based on the analysis of the word "constrain" and the meanings of the options, the word that is opposite in meaning to "constrain" is "Support". Factors that constrain limit something, while factors that support help or enable something.

Revision Table: Antonyms Practice

Additional Information: Enhancing Vocabulary for Exams

Building a strong vocabulary is crucial for various competitive exams. Understanding synonyms and antonyms helps improve reading comprehension and the ability to tackle vocabulary-based questions effectively.

• Regularly read books, articles, and newspapers to encounter new words in context.
• Maintain a vocabulary journal to note down new words, their meanings, and example sentences.
• Use flashcards or vocabulary apps for active recall and practice.
• Learn root words, prefixes, and suffixes to understand the meaning of unfamiliar words.
• Practice using new words in your daily communication and writing.
• Focus on understanding the nuances of words and how their meaning changes in different contexts, like how factors can constrain or support something.