From the given options, select the OPPOSITE in meaning to the given word: "Conscientious"
Irresponsible
Finding the Opposite of Conscientious
The question asks for the word that is opposite in meaning to "Conscientious". To answer this, we need to understand the meaning of "Conscientious" and the meaning of each option provided.
Understanding the Word: Conscientious
The word "Conscientious" describes someone who is very careful, thorough, and diligent in their work or duties. A conscientious person feels a strong sense of responsibility and aims to do things correctly and completely. They are guided by their conscience and pay attention to detail.
Analyzing the Options
Let's look at the meaning of each option:
- Mutual: This means shared or common between two or more people. For example, mutual respect. This meaning is not related to carefulness or responsibility.
- Scrupulous: This describes someone who is extremely thorough, careful, and attentive to details. It also implies being concerned about doing what is right. This word is actually a synonym, or very close in meaning, to "Conscientious".
- Irresponsible: This means not showing a proper sense of responsibility. An irresponsible person is careless, unreliable, and doesn't take their duties seriously.
- Meticulous: This describes someone who shows great attention to detail; they are very careful and precise. This word is also a synonym for "Conscientious".
Identifying the Opposite
We are looking for the antonym (opposite) of "Conscientious". A conscientious person is responsible and careful. An irresponsible person is careless and lacks responsibility. Therefore, "Irresponsible" is the direct opposite of "Conscientious".
| Word | Meaning | Relationship to "Conscientious" |
|---|---|---|
| Conscientious | Careful, thorough, responsible, diligent | The base word |
| Mutual | Shared, common | Unrelated |
| Scrupulous | Extremely careful, thorough, attentive to detail | Synonym |
| Irresponsible | Careless, not responsible, unreliable | Antonym (Opposite) |
| Meticulous | Very careful, precise, attentive to detail | Synonym |
Conclusion
Based on the analysis of the meanings, the word that is opposite in meaning to "Conscientious" is "Irresponsible". While "Scrupulous" and "Meticulous" are synonyms, "Mutual" is unrelated, and "Irresponsible" conveys the opposite quality of lacking care and responsibility.
Revision Table: Vocabulary Antonyms
| Word | Meaning | Antonym |
|---|---|---|
| Conscientious | Thorough, careful, diligent, responsible | Irresponsible, Careless, Negligent |
| Scrupulous | Very careful, thorough, ethical | Unscrupulous, Careless, Dishonest |
| Meticulous | Showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise | Careless, Sloppy, Haphazard |
Additional Information: Expanding Vocabulary Skills
Building your vocabulary by learning synonyms and antonyms is a great way to improve your understanding and use of the English language. Antonyms are words that have opposite meanings. Understanding antonyms helps you express contrasting ideas and can improve your reading comprehension.
When you encounter a new word like "Conscientious", try to:
- Look up its definition.
- Find synonyms (words with similar meanings), like "scrupulous" or "meticulous".
- Find antonyms (words with opposite meanings), like "irresponsible" or "careless".
- Use the word in sentences to practice.
Knowing synonyms and antonyms for words helps you choose the most precise word for a particular context and understand the relationships between different words.
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.
