Directions : Each item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words or groups of words. Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. These exercises will counteract the effects of stress and tension.
Finding the Antonym of Counteract
The question asks us to find the word or group of words that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word 'counteract' in the sentence: "These exercises will counteract the effects of stress and tension."
Let's understand the meaning of the word 'counteract'.
- Counteract: To act against something in order to reduce its force or neutralize it. In the given sentence, the exercises reduce or neutralize the negative effects of stress and tension.
Now let's look at the given options and their meanings:
- 1. exacerbate: To make a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling worse.
- 2. foil: To prevent someone from accomplishing something; frustrate an effort or plan.
- 3. thwart: To prevent someone from accomplishing something. This is very similar in meaning to 'foil'.
- 4. contravene: To violate or go against (a law, treaty, or code of conduct); conflict with (a right, principle, etc.).
We are looking for the opposite meaning of 'counteract', which means to reduce or neutralize effects.
Comparing the meanings:
- 'Counteract' (reduce/neutralize effects) vs. 'exacerbate' (make effects worse). These two words are opposite in meaning.
- 'Counteract' (reduce/neutralize effects) vs. 'foil' or 'thwart' (prevent accomplishment). These are not direct opposites.
- 'Counteract' (reduce/neutralize effects) vs. 'contravene' (violate/go against). These are not direct opposites.
Therefore, the word that is opposite in meaning to 'counteract' is 'exacerbate'. If exercises counteract stress effects, they lessen them. If something exacerbates stress effects, it makes them worse.
The opposite of reducing or neutralizing negative effects is making those negative effects worse.
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.
