Directions: Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the given word. SUSTENANCE
starvation
Finding the Antonym of SUSTENANCE: Understanding Word Opposites
The question asks for the most appropriate antonym of the word "SUSTENANCE". An antonym is a word that means the opposite of another word. To find the correct antonym, we need to understand the meaning of "SUSTENANCE" and then evaluate the meanings of the given options.
What does SUSTENANCE mean?
SUSTENANCE refers to the means of sustaining life, especially food and drink. It's what keeps someone alive and healthy. It can also refer to the process of maintaining something at a certain level or duration.
Now let's look at the options:
- starvation: Starvation is suffering or death caused by lack of food. This is the complete absence or severe deficiency of the very thing that provides sustenance.
- nourishment: Nourishment is food or other substances necessary for growth, health, and good condition. This is very similar in meaning to sustenance; it's about providing what is needed to live and thrive.
- refreshment: Refreshment is the giving of fresh strength or energy. This usually refers to light food or drinks taken to revive someone, often after exertion. While related to food/drink, it's more about temporary revival than basic survival means.
- livelihood: Livelihood is a means of securing the necessities of life, such as food and shelter. It refers to the way someone earns money to live, or the job they do. While providing a livelihood allows one to obtain sustenance, livelihood itself is the means of getting resources, not the sustenance itself.
Let's compare the options with the meaning of SUSTENANCE:
| Word | Meaning | Relationship to SUSTENANCE |
|---|---|---|
| SUSTENANCE | Means of sustaining life (especially food/drink) | The core word |
| starvation | Suffering/death from lack of food | Opposite |
| nourishment | Food/substances for health/growth | Similar (close synonym) |
| refreshment | Light food/drink for revival | Related (type of sustenance/nourishment) |
| livelihood | Means of securing necessities (like sustenance) | Related (means to get sustenance) |
Based on the meanings, "starvation" represents the absence or severe lack of sustenance, leading to negative consequences for life. "Nourishment" and "refreshment" are closely related to sustenance, being forms or aspects of it. "Livelihood" is a means to obtain sustenance, but not the opposite of sustenance itself.
Therefore, the word that is most directly and completely opposite in meaning to SUSTENANCE is starvation.
Revision Table: Key Vocabulary Concepts
| Term | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Antonym | A word opposite in meaning to another. | Hot <--> Cold |
| Synonym | A word having the same or nearly the same meaning as another. | Happy <--> Joyful |
| SUSTENANCE | Food and drink regarded as a source of strength; the maintaining of someone or something in existence. | Basic food provides necessary sustenance. |
| Starvation | Suffering or death caused by hunger. | Lack of rain led to starvation in the region. |
Additional Information on Antonyms and Synonyms
Understanding antonyms and synonyms is a key part of building strong vocabulary for exams. Here are some points to remember:
- Not all words have a perfect antonym. Some words might have multiple antonyms depending on the specific context.
- Context is crucial. The best antonym or synonym can sometimes depend on how the word is used in a sentence.
- Words can have shades of meaning. While nourishment and sustenance are similar, nourishment often emphasizes the quality and benefit of the food, while sustenance focuses on the basic necessity for survival.
- Learning words in pairs (antonym/synonym) can help you remember them better.
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.
