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.
fortunate
Understanding the Question: Finding the Antonym of Hapless
The question asks us to find the word that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word "hapless" in the given sentence: "The novel depicts the hapless status of certain sections of society." To answer this correctly, we need to understand the meaning of "hapless" and then look for its antonym among the provided options.
What does Hapless mean?
"Hapless" is an adjective used to describe someone or something that is unfortunate or unlucky. If someone is hapless, bad things tend to happen to them, often through no fault of their own. The word comes from 'hap', an old word for 'luck' or 'chance', and the suffix '-less', meaning 'without'. So, "hapless" literally means "without luck".
- Meaning of Hapless: Unfortunate, unlucky.
- Example Usage: A hapless traveller who missed his train.
Analyzing the Options for the Antonym
We are given four options: wretched, miserable, rural, and fortunate. Let's examine each one to see which is the opposite of "hapless".
| Option | Meaning | Relationship to Hapless |
|---|---|---|
| (a) wretched | Extremely bad or unhappy. | Similar meaning (synonym) in context of unfortunate status. Not an antonym. |
| (b) miserable | Very unhappy or uncomfortable. | Similar meaning (synonym) in context of unfortunate status. Not an antonym. |
| (c) rural | Relating to the countryside. | Completely unrelated in meaning. Not an antonym. |
| (d) fortunate | Having good fortune; lucky. | Opposite in meaning to unlucky or unfortunate. An antonym. |
From the analysis, we can see that "fortunate" directly describes the state of having good luck, which is the opposite of being "hapless" (without luck, unfortunate).
Conclusion: The Antonym of Hapless
The word that is opposite in meaning to "hapless" is "fortunate". Therefore, option (d) is the correct response.
Revision Table: Key Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning | Antonym | Synonym |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hapless | Unfortunate, unlucky | Fortunate, lucky | Wretched, miserable (in context of status/condition) |
| Wretched | Extremely bad or unhappy | Fortunate, joyful, excellent | Miserable, unhappy, awful |
| Miserable | Very unhappy; causing unhappiness | Happy, cheerful, joyful | Wretched, sad, unhappy |
| Rural | Relating to the countryside | Urban | Pastoral, rustic |
| Fortunate | Having good fortune; lucky | Hapless, unfortunate, unlucky | Lucky, blessed, prosperous |
Additional Information on Antonyms and Vocabulary Building
Understanding antonyms is a great way to expand your English vocabulary. Antonyms are words that have opposite meanings. Learning antonyms helps you to use words more precisely and understand the nuances of language.
- Why learn Antonyms? Learning antonyms helps you understand the full spectrum of meaning a word can have. If you know what a word is, and what its opposite is, you have a much clearer idea of its place in the language.
- How to find Antonyms?
- Use a thesaurus (online or physical).
- Look up the word in a dictionary; sometimes antonyms are listed.
- Learn common prefixes and suffixes that change meaning (like 'un-', 'in-', 'dis-', '-less').
- Context is Key: The best way to learn and remember new words and their antonyms is to see them used in context, just like in the sentence provided in the question.
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.
His frail appearance was considered a merit.
