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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. 

The debate was highly stimulating .

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

boring

Understanding the Question: Finding the Antonym of 'Stimulating'

The question asks us to find the word that has the opposite meaning (an antonym) to the underlined word 'stimulating' in the sentence "The debate was highly stimulating". To answer this correctly, we need to understand what 'stimulating' means in this context and then look for the option that represents its opposite.

What Does 'Stimulating' Mean in a Debate Context?

When something is described as 'stimulating', it means it arouses interest, excitement, or enthusiasm. A stimulating debate is one that makes people think actively, feel engaged, and find the discussion interesting and lively.

Analyzing the Options for the Opposite Meaning

Let's examine each given option and see how its meaning relates to 'stimulating'.

  • arousing: This word means evoking or stirring up a feeling or reaction. It is very similar in meaning to stimulating, suggesting interest or excitement.
  • invigorating: This means making one feel strong, healthy, and full of energy. While slightly different, it shares a positive connotation with stimulating, suggesting something that makes you feel more alive or engaged.
  • boring: This means not interesting; tedious. Something that is boring fails to arouse interest or excitement, which is the direct opposite of being stimulating.
  • stirring: This means exciting strong feeling; thrilling. Like 'arousing', this word is very close in meaning to stimulating, suggesting it causes excitement or strong emotion.

Identifying the Correct Antonym

Based on the analysis, 'boring' is the word that means the opposite of 'stimulating'. A stimulating debate is interesting and engaging, while a boring debate is not interesting and fails to engage. Therefore, 'boring' is the correct antonym for 'stimulating'.

Comparison of Options

Option Meaning Relation to 'Stimulating'
arousing Evoking interest/excitement Synonym/Similar
invigorating Making one feel energetic/lively Similar (Positive effect)
boring Not interesting; dull Antonym (Opposite)
stirring Exciting strong feeling Synonym/Similar

Conclusion

The word that is opposite in meaning to 'stimulating' is 'boring'.

Revision Table: Antonyms and Synonyms

Understanding antonyms and synonyms is crucial for vocabulary building. Here's a quick look:

  • Antonyms: Words that have opposite meanings (e.g., hot and cold, up and down, stimulating and boring).
  • Synonyms: Words that have similar meanings (e.g., happy and joyful, big and large, stimulating and arousing).

Additional Information: Expanding Vocabulary

To improve your vocabulary, especially for exams focusing on word meanings like antonyms and synonyms, consider these tips:

  • Learn words in context, as their meaning can change based on how they are used in a sentence.
  • Use a dictionary or thesaurus to find definitions, synonyms, and antonyms.
  • Practice using new words in sentences.
  • Regularly review the words you have learned.
  • Pay attention to root words, prefixes, and suffixes, which can help you understand the meaning of unfamiliar words.
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