Directions: Each item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word/words followed by four options. Select the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word/words and mark your response in your Answer Sheet accordingly. We must adopt drastic measures to control population growth.
severe
Let's analyze the meaning of the underlined word 'drastic' in the given sentence: "We must adopt drastic measures to control population growth."
The sentence talks about the need for strong actions or methods ('measures') to manage population growth. The word 'drastic' describes the nature of these measures.
The word 'drastic' means likely to have a strong or far-reaching effect; radical and extreme. It implies something sudden and violent or having a strong effect.
Now let's examine the given options to find the word that is nearest in meaning to 'drastic'.
- Simple: This means easy to understand or do; not complicated. This is clearly the opposite of 'drastic'.
- Dramatic: This means relating to drama or the performance of plays; or exciting, striking, or impressive. While a dramatic measure might be striking, 'drastic' focuses more on the extremity and severity of the effect rather than just being impressive or theatrical.
- Realistic: This means having or showing a sensible and practical idea of what can be achieved or expected. This relates to practicality, not necessarily the intensity or extremity of the measures.
- Severe: This means (of something bad or undesirable) very great; intense. It can also mean strict or harsh. Measures that are 'severe' are strong and can have a significant impact, which aligns well with the idea of 'drastic' measures needed for a challenging issue like population growth control.
Comparing the options, 'severe' is the word that best captures the intensity, strength, and potentially harsh nature implied by 'drastic measures'.
Understanding Drastic Measures in Context
In the context of controlling population growth, 'drastic measures' would typically refer to policies or actions that are very strict, far-reaching, and perhaps have significant consequences, aiming for a rapid and substantial impact. 'Severe' fits this description much better than 'simple', 'dramatic', or 'realistic'.
Comparing Options for Nearest Meaning
Let's look at how each option relates to 'drastic':
| Word | Meaning | Relation to 'Drastic' |
|---|---|---|
| Drastic | Extreme, sudden, radical, having a strong effect | The target word. |
| Simple | Easy, not complicated | Opposite meaning. |
| Dramatic | Striking, exciting (can sometimes overlap but not the core meaning of extremity in this context) | Related to effect, but less focused on severity. |
| Realistic | Practical, sensible | Different concept (feasibility vs. intensity). |
| Severe | Very great, intense, strict, harsh | Nearest in meaning, capturing the intensity and strong effect. |
Based on the analysis, 'severe' is the option that is nearest in meaning to 'drastic'.
Revision Table: Key Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Drastic | Extreme, sudden, or having a strong effect | The company had to take drastic steps to reduce costs. |
| Severe | Very great or intense; strict or harsh | He suffered from a severe headache. / The regulations are very severe. |
| Simple | Easy to understand or do | The instructions were very simple. |
| Dramatic | Striking or impressive; theatrical | There was a dramatic change in the weather. |
| Realistic | Having a sensible idea of what is possible | We need to set realistic goals. |
Additional Information: Synonyms and Antonyms for Drastic
Understanding synonyms and antonyms can further clarify the meaning of 'drastic'.
- Synonyms for Drastic: Extreme, radical, serious, severe, strong, harsh, stringent, powerful, forceful, far-reaching, momentous.
- Antonyms for Drastic: Mild, moderate, gentle, calm, simple, cautious, trivial, insignificant.
Considering these synonyms, 'severe' is clearly listed as a synonym, reinforcing it as the nearest meaning among the given options.
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.
