Directions: Read the following passage and answer the questions: A Lichen is a composite organism that arises from algae living among filaments of multiple fungi in a symbiotic relationship. The combined lichen has properties different from those of its component organisms. Lichens come in many colours, sizes and forms. The properties are sometimes plant-like, but lichens are not plants. Lichens may have tiny leafless branches, flat leaflike structures or flakes that lie on the surface like peeling paint or other growth forms. Lichens occur from sea level to high alpine elevations, in many environmental conditions and can grow on almost any surface. Different kinds of lichens have adapted to survive in some of the most extreme environments on earth such as Arctic, Tundra, hot dry deserts, rocky coasts, and toxic slag heaps. They can even live inside solid rocks, growing between the grains. It is estimated that 6% of the earth's land surface is covered by lichens. Some of them are considered to be the oldest living things. They are among the first living things to grow on fresh rock exposed after an event such as a landslide. The long-life span and slow but regular growth rate of some lichens can be used to date events.
Identify the one word opposite to SPAN in meaning:
Compress
SPAN Antonym Identification and Meaning
The question asks us to identify the word that has the opposite meaning to the word SPAN.
Meaning of SPAN
The word SPAN typically refers to:
- The full extent of something from end to end; the length or extent of something. For example, "the span of a bridge".
- The length of time that something exists or lasts. For example, "the span of his career".
- To extend or stretch across the whole width of something.
Analyzing the Options
Let's examine each option provided to determine which one is the antonym of SPAN:
- Stretch: This word means to make or become longer or wider by pulling or drawing. It is often synonymous with SPAN, as in stretching across a distance. It is not an opposite.
- Length: This refers to the measurement of the extent of something along its greatest dimension. While related to the concept of SPAN, it is a measure, not an action or state that is opposite to extending.
- Duration: This refers to the time elapsed or required for something to happen or complete. This is actually one of the meanings of SPAN itself (in terms of time), not its opposite.
- Compress: This word means to press something into a smaller space or object into a smaller volume by pressure. This is the direct opposite of extending or stretching across something, which is the primary meaning of SPAN.
Conclusion
Based on the analysis, the word Compress is the most appropriate antonym for SPAN, as it signifies the act of reducing size or extent, directly opposing the idea of extending across or over.
Important Questions from Reading Comprehension
What is the meaning of ‘intrigued’?
What are ice shelves?
What are icebergs?
When the iceberg turns upside down, it appears ________.
The use of science in its simple form has helped man to ____________
