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.
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.
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.
