All Exams Test series for 1 year @ ₹349 only
Question

Identify from the given options the word OPPOSITE in meaning to the underlined word according to its meaning in the following sentence.

The confectioner dusted a fine layer of sugar on the muffin.

This question was previously asked in
SSC CGL 2023 (Tier-II) Paper 1 Previous Year Paper (26-Oct-2023) (Shift-1)
The correct answer is

cleaned

Understanding the Word 'Dusted' in the Sentence

The question asks us to find the word that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word 'dusted' as it is used in the sentence: "The confectioner dusted a fine layer of sugar on the muffin."

In this context, 'dusted' means to lightly sprinkle or cover something with a fine powder, in this case, sugar. It's an action of applying a substance.

Analyzing the Options for Opposite Meaning

Let's look at the meaning of each given option:

  • scattered: This means to throw or distribute widely. It is similar to sprinkling or dusting, implying the application of something.
  • sprinkled: This means to scatter small drops or particles of something. This is very similar in meaning to dusting, especially when applying a fine powder like sugar.
  • powdered: This word describes something that is in the form of a powder, or it can mean to apply powder to something. In the context of the sentence, it's related to the substance being applied, not the opposite action.
  • cleaned: This means to make something free of dirt, marks, or unwanted matter. It is an action of removing something from a surface.

Identifying the Antonym of 'Dusted'

The word 'dusted' in the sentence describes the action of applying a fine layer of sugar. We are looking for the action that is the opposite of applying a fine layer of something.

Comparing the options:

  • 'Scattered' and 'sprinkled' are actions of applying something, similar to 'dusted'. They are not opposites.
  • 'Powdered' describes the state of the substance or the act of making something into powder, or applying powder, which is related to the action but not the opposite.
  • 'Cleaned' describes the act of removing dirt or unwanted material from a surface. Removing something is the opposite of applying something in this context. If you dust something with powder, cleaning it would involve removing that powder.

Therefore, the word that is most opposite in meaning to 'dusted' (meaning applying a fine layer of powder) is 'cleaned' (meaning removing material from a surface).

Word Meaning in Context (or related) Relationship to 'Dusted'
Dusted Applied a fine layer of powder (sugar) Base word
Scattered Distributed widely Similar action
Sprinkled Scattered small particles Similar action
Powdered In the form of powder / applied powder Related (substance/action)
Cleaned Removed dirt/material Opposite action

Conclusion on the Opposite Word

Based on the analysis, the opposite action of applying a fine layer of sugar (dusted) is removing material from the surface (cleaned).

Revision Table: Antonyms of 'Dusted'

Word Meaning (Contextual) Antonym
Dusted Applied powder lightly Cleaned (removed powder/dirt)

Additional Information: Understanding Antonyms

An antonym is a word that means the opposite of another word. Finding the correct antonym often depends heavily on the context in which the word is used. For example, 'light' can be the opposite of 'dark' (referring to brightness) or the opposite of 'heavy' (referring to weight). In this question, understanding how 'dusted' is used to mean applying powder is crucial to finding its specific opposite.

Recognizing synonyms and antonyms helps improve vocabulary and comprehension skills. Synonyms are words with similar meanings, while antonyms are words with opposite meanings.

Was this answer helpful?

Similar Questions

  1. Directions: Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word.

    Detrimental

  2. Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word.

    Magnify

  3. Select the synonym of the given word.

    EFFICIENCY

  4. Directions: Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word.

    IOTA

  5. Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the underlined word.

    The Government ruthlessly  decided to force its citizens to pay taxes even during famine.

  6. Select the word that is OPPOSITE in meaning to the given word.

    Cease

  7. Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word.

    Bare

  8. Select the antonym of the given word.
    LIBERTY
  9. Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the given word.

    ROUGH

  10. Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the underlined word.

    He was acquitted of all the charges in the court today.


Important Questions from Synonyms or Antonyms

  1. A sentence with an underlined word is given below. Select the most appropriate antonym for the underlined word.

    Whether the rewards arein commensurate withthe efforts or not, a society will always have workaholics and the shirk workgroups.

  2. The following question consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words. Select the word that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response accordingly.

    Wars leave behind a large number ofemaciatedsoldiers in the camps of both the victorious and the vanquished.

  3. A sentence with an underlined word is given below. Select the most appropriate antonym for the underlined word.

    There was amammothgathering to listen to the leader.

  4. The following question consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words. Select the word that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response accordingly.

    The audience thoroughly enjoyed thehilariousdrama.

  5. A sentence with an underlined word is given below. Select the most appropriate antonym for the underlined word.

    The writer’seruditionin science is revealed in every page of the book.

Need Expert Advice?
Upcoming Exams
SSC Selection Post
September 16, 2026
Test Series
SSC CGL img
SSC
SSC CGL (Tier I + Tier II) 2026 Mock Test Series - Latest Pattern
2501 Tests 6 Tests Free
4447 Attempts
4.2(845)
English, Hindi

Start Your Preparation with Prepp Mobile App

Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Prepp Mobile App