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Question

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

His ostentatious behaviour surprised everyone.

This question was previously asked in
NDA I 2023 GAT Previous Year Paper (16-Apr-2023)
The correct answer is

modest

Understanding the Opposite of Ostentatious Behaviour

The question asks us to find the word that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word 'ostentatious'. The sentence is "His ostentatious behaviour surprised everyone." We need to analyse the meaning of 'ostentatious' and then compare it with the meanings of the given options to find the antonym.

Meaning of Ostentatious

The word 'ostentatious' is an adjective used to describe something or someone's behaviour that is characterized by pretentious or showy display, designed to impress others. It often suggests excessive or vulgar display of wealth, knowledge, or possessions. The behaviour is intended to attract notice and admiration.

Analysing the Options

Let's look at the meanings of the given options:

  • tawdry: Showy but cheap and of poor quality. This word also relates to being showy, but it emphasizes cheapness and poor taste. It's not the direct opposite of being showy in general.
  • modest: Humble in estimation of one's abilities or achievements; not drawing attention to oneself; simple, plain, or moderate in amount. This word describes someone or something that does not seek to impress or show off.
  • gaudy: Extravagantly bright or showy, typically tasteless. Similar to tawdry and ostentatious, emphasizing excessive showiness, often in a vulgar or tasteless way. It is a synonym or related concept, not an opposite.
  • apparent: Clearly visible or understood; obvious. This word relates to something being easily seen or known. It has no direct relationship to showing off or being humble.

Finding the Antonym

We are looking for the opposite of 'ostentatious', which means showy, designed to impress, and drawing attention. Comparing this to the option meanings:

  • Tawdry is also showy, just in poor taste.
  • Modest describes someone or something that does not draw attention or show off. This is the direct opposite of being ostentatious.
  • Gaudy is another word for excessively showy or tasteless, similar to ostentatious.
  • Apparent means obvious, which is unrelated to being showy or humble.

Therefore, the word that is opposite in meaning to 'ostentatious' is 'modest'.

Word Meaning Relation to Ostentatious
Ostentatious Showy, designed to impress, pretentious display The base word
Tawdry Showy but cheap and poor quality Related (kind of showy)
Modest Humble, not drawing attention Opposite
Gaudy Excessively showy, tasteless Similar (synonym/related)
Apparent Obvious, clearly visible Unrelated

Based on the analysis, 'modest' is the antonym of 'ostentatious'.

Revision Table: Vocabulary Review

Word Meaning Antonym Synonyms
Ostentatious Characterized by pretentious or showy display designed to impress. Modest, Unostentatious, Restrained, Simple Showy, Flamboyant, Pretentious, Gaudy, Tawdry (often with negative connotations)
Tawdry Showy but cheap and of poor quality. Tasteful, Elegant, Subtle Gaudy, Flashy, Gimmicky
Modest Humble; not drawing attention; simple. Ostentatious, Vain, Conceited Humble, Simple, Unassuming, Reserved
Gaudy Extravagantly bright or showy, typically tasteless. Tasteful, Understated, Subtle Flashy, Garish, Loud, Tawdry
Apparent Clearly visible or understood; obvious. Hidden, Obscure, Unclear Obvious, Evident, Clear, Visible

Additional Information: Antonyms and Synonyms

Understanding antonyms and synonyms is crucial for building vocabulary. Antonyms are words that have opposite meanings, while synonyms are words that have similar meanings.

  • Finding the correct antonym requires a precise understanding of the core meaning of the word.
  • In this case, 'ostentatious' is about deliberately being showy to impress. Its opposite is not seeking attention or displaying in a simple way.
  • 'Modest' fits this description perfectly, referring to a lack of pretension or showiness.

Practicing identifying synonyms and antonyms helps improve reading comprehension and writing skills.

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