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Question

Each 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.

According to G B shaw, men have becomeinert. Therefore, the life force has chosen women to perform its functions.

This question was previously asked in
CDS I 2019 Elementary Mathematics Previous Year Paper (03-Feb-2019)
The correct answer is

lively

Understanding the Question: Finding the Opposite Meaning

The question asks us to find the word that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word "inert" in the given sentence. This is a vocabulary question testing our knowledge of antonyms.

The sentence is: "According to G B shaw, men have become inert. Therefore, the life force has chosen women to perform its functions."

We need to understand the meaning of "inert" in this context.

Meaning of 'Inert'

The word "inert" generally means:

  • Lacking the ability or strength to move.
  • Lacking vigor; sluggish.
  • Chemically inactive (though this meaning is not relevant here).

In the sentence, "men have become inert" suggests that men have become inactive, lacking energy, vitality, or the will to act or change. This is why, according to the statement, the "life force" has turned to women.

Analyzing the Options

Let's examine each option provided:

  1. lively: This means full of life and energy; active and outgoing.
  2. quiescent: This means in a state or period of inactivity or dormancy.
  3. dormant: This means temporarily inactive or inoperative.
  4. apathetic: This means showing or feeling no interest, enthusiasm, or concern.

Finding the Antonym

We are looking for the word most opposite to "inert" (inactive, sluggish, lacking energy/vitality).

  • 'Quiescent' and 'dormant' are synonyms or near-synonyms of 'inert', meaning inactive or in a state of rest. These are not opposites.
  • 'Apathetic' means lacking interest or enthusiasm. While someone inert might also be apathetic, the primary meaning of 'inert' here relates more directly to a lack of activity and energy rather than just a lack of interest.
  • 'Lively' means full of life, energy, and activity. This is a direct contrast to being inactive, sluggish, or lacking energy, which are key aspects of 'inert'.

Therefore, "lively" is the most suitable antonym for "inert" in this context.

Conclusion

Based on the analysis of the meanings, the word that is opposite in meaning to "inert" is "lively".

Revision Table: Antonyms and Synonyms

Word Meaning (Contextual) Antonym Synonyms
Inert Inactive, sluggish, lacking energy/vitality Lively Inactive, sluggish, passive, listless, motionless, quiescent, dormant
Lively Full of life and energy; active Inert, inactive, sluggish Energetic, active, spirited, animated, vigorous
Quiescent Inactive; at rest Active, lively Dormant, inactive, still, passive
Dormant Temporarily inactive Active, operative, lively Quiescent, inactive, sleeping, latent
Apathetic Lacking interest or enthusiasm Enthusiastic, keen, interested, lively Uninterested, indifferent, listless, lethargic

Additional Information: Understanding Vocabulary

Improving vocabulary is crucial for language proficiency and excelling in exams that test verbal ability. Questions asking for antonyms and synonyms help assess your word knowledge.

  • Antonyms: Words that have opposite meanings (e.g., hot vs. cold, up vs. down, inert vs. lively).
  • Synonyms: Words that have similar meanings (e.g., happy vs. joyful, big vs. large, inert vs. inactive).

When finding antonyms or synonyms, always consider the context in which the word is used, as words can have multiple meanings. In this case, understanding that "inert" describes a state of being inactive or lacking vitality in humans is key to selecting the correct opposite.

The sentence also references G.B. Shaw and the "life force". This alludes to Shaw's philosophical concept (specifically in works like *Man and Superman*) where the "life force" is a driving evolutionary impulse, and he explored gender roles and societal contributions in relation to this force. Understanding this context reinforces that "inert" here means lacking the drive or energy associated with this life force.

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