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 nearest in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response in your Answer Sheet accordingly. She had no idea what made him angry in one minute and jovial the next.
mirthful
Understanding the Meaning of Jovial in English
The question asks us to find the word that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word "jovial" in the given sentence: "She had no idea what made him angry in one minute and jovial the next."
To find the closest meaning, let's first understand the word "jovial" in the context of the sentence. The sentence describes a person changing from being "angry" to being "jovial" very quickly. This suggests that "jovial" is likely a feeling or state that is the opposite of or contrasts with being angry.
Defining Jovial
The word 'jovial' means cheerful and friendly; cheerfully merry and lighthearted. It describes someone who is in a good mood and expresses happiness openly.
Analyzing the Options for Jovial Synonym
Let's look at the meanings of the given options:
- (a) aggrieved: This means feeling resentment or anger at having been unfairly treated. This is similar to being angry, not the opposite.
- (b) melancholic: This means feeling or expressing pensive sadness. This describes sadness, which is different from anger but also not the opposite of cheerfulness.
- (c) doleful: This means expressing sorrow; mournful. This is another word related to sadness and sorrow, not cheerfulness.
- (d) mirthful: This means feeling or showing great amusement and laughter; cheerful, lively. This describes a state of being happy, cheerful, and full of fun, often involving laughter.
Comparing Options to Jovial
Comparing the meanings:
- Jovial: Cheerful, friendly, merry.
- Aggrieved: Angry, resentful.
- Melancholic: Sad, pensive.
- Doleful: Sorrowful, mournful.
- Mirthful: Cheerful, lively, full of laughter.
From the comparison, "mirthful" is the word that is closest in meaning to "jovial". Both words describe a state of being cheerful and happy.
In the context of the sentence, someone who is angry one minute and "jovial" the next is someone whose mood changes quickly from negative (anger) to positive (cheerfulness/happiness). "Mirthful" fits this context perfectly as it means being cheerful and expressing amusement or happiness.
| Word | Meaning | Relationship to Jovial |
|---|---|---|
| Jovial | Cheerful, friendly, merry | Target word |
| Aggrieved | Angry, resentful | Opposite/Unrelated |
| Melancholic | Sad, pensive | Unrelated |
| Doleful | Sorrowful, mournful | Unrelated |
| Mirthful | Cheerful, lively, full of laughter | Closest Synonym |
Therefore, the word nearest in meaning to "jovial" is "mirthful".
Revision Table: Key Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Jovial | Cheerful and friendly | He was in a jovial mood after receiving the good news. |
| Aggrieved | Feeling resentment or anger | The aggrieved employees protested against the unfair policies. |
| Melancholic | Feeling or expressing pensive sadness | The melancholic music matched the rainy day. |
| Doleful | Expressing sorrow; mournful | Her face had a doleful expression after hearing the bad news. |
| Mirthful | Feeling or showing great amusement; cheerful | The party was filled with mirthful laughter. |
Additional Information: Expanding Your English Vocabulary
Understanding synonyms and antonyms is crucial for improving your vocabulary. Synonyms are words that have similar meanings, while antonyms are words that have opposite meanings. In this case, "mirthful" is a synonym for "jovial". An antonym for "jovial" might be "gloomy," "sad," or "miserable."
When learning new words, try to:
- Look up their definitions.
- Use them in sentences to understand their context.
- Identify their synonyms and antonyms.
- Practice using them in your writing and speaking.
This process helps you remember the words better and use them correctly. The sentence provided in the question highlights how quickly someone's mood can change, emphasizing the contrast between feeling angry and feeling jovial/mirthful.
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.
