Identify the ANTONYM of the following word in the given sentence. Lethargy The usually circumspect personnel’s vigour for his duty was visible in his dealing with customers.
vigour
Understanding the Word Lethargy
The question asks us to identify the antonym of the word 'Lethargy' based on the provided sentence and options. An antonym is a word that means the opposite of another word.
First, let's understand the meaning of 'Lethargy'. Lethargy is a state of being inactive, sluggish, and lacking energy. It implies a feeling of weariness or indifference.
Analyzing the Sentence and Options
The sentence given is: "The usually circumspect personnel’s vigour for his duty was visible in his dealing with customers." We are looking for the word that means the opposite of 'Lethargy' among the options derived from this sentence.
Let's look at the options and their meanings in the context of the sentence:
- visible: This means able to be seen or noticed. The personnel's vigour was visible. This word relates to being seen, not energy level.
- vigour: This means energy, force, or enthusiasm. The sentence states the personnel had vigour for his duty.
- circumspect: This means cautious, wary, or careful. The sentence describes the personnel as usually being circumspect, referring to his usual manner.
- usually: This is an adverb indicating what happens most of the time or ordinarily.
Finding the Antonym of Lethargy
We are looking for a word that means the opposite of 'Lethargy' (inactivity, lack of energy). Let's compare 'Lethargy' with the meanings of the options:
- Lethargy (lack of energy, sluggishness) vs. visible (can be seen) - Not opposites.
- Lethargy (lack of energy, sluggishness) vs. vigour (energy, force, enthusiasm) - These are direct opposites in meaning.
- Lethargy (lack of energy, sluggishness) vs. circumspect (cautious) - Not opposites.
- Lethargy (lack of energy, sluggishness) vs. usually (ordinarily) - Not opposites.
The word 'vigour' clearly means the opposite of 'Lethargy'. While lethargy implies a lack of energy and motivation, vigour implies having a lot of energy and enthusiasm.
Conclusion
Based on the meanings of the words, 'vigour' is the antonym of 'Lethargy'. The sentence uses 'vigour' to describe an energetic approach to duty, which contrasts directly with the state of lethargy.
| Word | Meaning | Relationship to Lethargy |
|---|---|---|
| Lethargy | Lack of energy, sluggishness | Base word |
| Vigour | Energy, force, enthusiasm | Antonym |
| Visible | Able to be seen | Unrelated |
| Circumspect | Cautious, wary | Unrelated |
| Usually | Ordinarily, habitually | Unrelated |
Revision Table: Antonyms and Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning | Antonym |
|---|---|---|
| Lethargy | Sluggishness, lack of energy | Vigour, Energy, Activity, Animation |
| Vigour | Energy, force, enthusiasm | Lethargy, Apathy, Weakness, Tiredness |
| Circumspect | Cautious, wary | Rash, Reckless, Careless |
Additional Information on Antonyms
Antonyms are crucial for building a strong vocabulary and understanding nuances in language. They help us express contrasting ideas clearly.
- Antonyms can be created in several ways, sometimes by adding prefixes (e.g., happy → unhappy). However, many antonyms are distinct words with opposite meanings (e.g., hot → cold).
- Understanding the context in which a word is used in a sentence can help confirm its meaning and identify its appropriate antonym.
- Regular practice with vocabulary and antonym exercises improves language proficiency.
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.
