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Question

Directions: Each item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four options. Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word. 

Rakesh is an eccentric prodigal .

This question was previously asked in
NDA II 2019 GAT Previous Year Paper (17-Nov-2019)
The correct answer is

thrifty

Understanding the Antonym of Prodigal

The question asks us to find the word opposite in meaning to the underlined word, which is "prodigal," in the sentence "Rakesh is an eccentric prodigal." To answer this, we need to understand the meaning of "prodigal" and then examine the given options to find its antonym.

Meaning of Prodigal

The word "prodigal" refers to someone who spends money or resources freely and recklessly; wastefully extravagant. It can also mean having or giving something on a lavish scale.

Analyzing the Options

Let's look at the meaning of each option:

  • extravagant: Spending much more than is necessary or wise; wasteful. This is very similar in meaning to "prodigal."
  • profligate: Recklessly extravagant or wasteful in the use of resources. This is also very similar in meaning to "prodigal."
  • wasteful: Using or expending something carelessly, extravagantly, or to no purpose. This is a direct synonym for "prodigal" in the context of spending.
  • thrifty: Using money and other resources carefully and not wastefully. This means being economical or frugal.

Finding the Opposite Meaning

We are looking for the antonym (opposite meaning) of "prodigal." Based on the meanings:

  • Extravagant is a synonym.
  • Profligate is a synonym.
  • Wasteful is a synonym.
  • Thrifty is the opposite of wasteful and extravagant.

Therefore, "thrifty" is the antonym of "prodigal." A prodigal person spends wastefully, while a thrifty person spends carefully.

The sentence describes Rakesh as an "eccentric prodigal," suggesting he is unusually wasteful or extravagant. The opposite of being wasteful with money is being careful and economical, which is what "thrifty" means.

Word Meaning Relation to 'Prodigal'
Prodigal Wastefully extravagant, spending recklessly Original Word
Extravagant Spending excessively, wasteful Synonym
Profligate Recklessly wasteful, extravagant Synonym
Wasteful Using resources carelessly Synonym
Thrifty Using money carefully, economical Antonym

Revision Table: Prodigal Antonym

Word Antonym
Prodigal Thrifty

Additional Information: Understanding Antonyms and Synonyms

Antonyms are words that have opposite meanings. Synonyms are words that have similar meanings. Understanding synonyms and antonyms helps improve vocabulary and comprehension. When you encounter a new word, thinking about its synonyms and antonyms can deepen your understanding of its nuances.

For example:

  • Synonyms of Happy: Joyful, cheerful, glad
  • Antonym of Happy: Sad, unhappy, miserable

In this question, we identified multiple synonyms for "prodigal" (extravagant, profligate, wasteful) to confirm our understanding before selecting the most appropriate antonym ("thrifty").

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