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Question

Directions : Each item in this section consists of sentences with an underlined word followed by four words or group of words. Select the option that is opposite in meaning  to the underlined word and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.

John is a magniloquent person.

This question was previously asked in
CDS I 2022 English Previous Year Paper (10-April-2022)
The correct answer is

Terse

Finding the Antonym of Magniloquent

The question asks us to find the word that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word "magniloquent" in the sentence "John is a magniloquent person." To answer this, we need to understand the meaning of "magniloquent" and then examine the options to find its antonym.

Understanding 'Magniloquent'

The word "magniloquent" is used to describe someone who uses lofty, bombastic, or exaggerated language. It often implies speaking in a way that is intended to sound impressive but can come across as pompous or overblown. Think of someone using very long, complex words and overly grand phrases when simpler language would suffice.

  • Meaning of Magniloquent: Using high-sounding or bombastic language.
  • Similar words (synonyms): bombastic, pompous, turgid, grandiloquent, flowery.

Analyzing the Options for Antonym

Let's look at each option provided and see if it means the opposite of "magniloquent":

  1. Pompous: This word means having or exhibiting self-importance, often in an exaggerated way. It is very similar in meaning to "magniloquent," often used as a synonym, especially when describing language or mannerisms. Therefore, it is not an antonym.
  2. Turgid: When referring to language or style, "turgid" means swollen or excessively elaborate or complex. It is also often used as a synonym for "magniloquent," describing language that is inflated or bombastic. Therefore, it is not an antonym.
  3. Lofty: This word can mean of imposing height, elevated, or noble and exalted in meaning. While "magniloquent" language might aim for a "lofty" tone, "lofty" itself describes quality or position, not necessarily the *style* of using excessive language. It is not a direct opposite of the characteristic bombast implied by "magniloquent".
  4. Terse: This word means sparing in the use of words; abrupt. A terse style of communication is concise and to the point, using very few words. This is the direct opposite of using high-sounding, excessive, or bombastic language, which is characteristic of a "magniloquent" person.

Identifying the Correct Antonym

Based on the analysis, "Terse" is the word that means the opposite of "magniloquent". While "magniloquent" describes someone who uses many big, elaborate words, "terse" describes someone who uses very few words in a concise manner.

Word Meaning Relationship to Magniloquent
Magniloquent Using high-sounding or bombastic language --
Pompous Self-important, bombastic (language or manner) Synonym or closely related meaning
Turgid Excessively elaborate or complex (language) Synonym or closely related meaning
Lofty Elevated, noble (can relate to tone, but not direct opposite of bombast) Not an antonym
Terse Sparing in the use of words; concise Antonym

Therefore, the opposite of "magniloquent" is "terse".

Revision Table: Vocabulary Building

Word Meaning Synonyms Antonyms
Magniloquent Using bombastic or high-sounding language Bombastic, grandiloquent, pompous, turgid, flowery Terse, concise, succinct, laconic, brief
Pompous Self-important; also bombastic (language) Arrogant, bombastic, grandiloquent, magniloquent Humble, modest, understated, simple
Turgid Swollen, distended; (language) excessively elaborate or complex Bombastic, grandiloquent, magniloquent, inflated Simple, plain, concise, terse
Lofty Elevated, high-minded; (can relate to tone) noble, exalted Elevated, grand, noble, exalted, imposing Humble, low, base, undignified
Terse Sparing in the use of words; concise Concise, succinct, brief, short, laconic Magniloquent, verbose, wordy, garrulous, long-winded

Additional Information: Antonyms and Context

Antonyms are words that have opposite meanings. Understanding antonyms is a crucial part of expanding your vocabulary and improving comprehension. The meaning of a word, and therefore its antonym, can sometimes depend on the context in which it is used. In this question, "magniloquent" is used to describe a person's way of speaking or writing, focusing on the style of language used. The options provided relate to describing language or character.

When studying vocabulary, it's helpful to learn synonyms and antonyms together. This helps create a network of related words in your mind, making it easier to recall and use them correctly. For example, understanding that "magniloquent," "pompous," and "turgid" are similar helps distinguish them from their opposites like "terse," "concise," or "succinct."

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