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Question

In the following question, out of the four alternatives, choose the word which is opposite in meaning to the given word and click the button corresponding to it.

Barbarous

The correct answer is

civilized

Finding the Antonym of Barbarous

The question asks us to find the word that has the opposite meaning to the word "Barbarous" from the given options.

Understanding the Word Barbarous

The word "Barbarous" is an adjective that describes something or someone:

  • Cruelly or frighteningly brutal.
  • Primitive and uncivilized.
  • Relating to or characteristic of barbarians.

So, "Barbarous" suggests a lack of culture, refinement, and humane behaviour; often implying cruelty or primitiveness.

Analysing the Options for Antonym of Barbarous

Let's examine each option to see which one presents the opposite meaning of "Barbarous":

  1. accidental: This word means happening by chance, unintentionally, or unexpectedly. This has no direct opposite relationship with "Barbarous".
  2. constant: This word means occurring continuously over a period of time, or remaining the same. This is unrelated to the meaning of "Barbarous".
  3. civilized: This word describes a place or society that is at an advanced stage of social and cultural development. It also describes a person or behaviour as polite and refined. This is the direct opposite of being primitive, uncivilized, or brutal.
  4. downward: This word means moving or pointing towards a lower place or level. This is a directional term and has no connection to the meaning of "Barbarous".

Identifying the Opposite of Barbarous

Comparing the meaning of "Barbarous" (uncivilized, brutal, primitive) with the options, the word "civilized" (socially and culturally advanced, refined, polite) stands out as having the completely opposite meaning. A barbarous society or person is the antithesis of a civilized one.

Word Meaning
Barbarous Uncivilized, brutal, primitive, lacking refinement
Civilized Socially and culturally advanced, refined, polite, humane

Therefore, the word opposite in meaning to "Barbarous" is "civilized".

Revision Table: Vocabulary Review

Word Meaning Type Antonym Example
Barbarous Cruel, uncivilized, primitive Adjective Civilized
Accidental Happening by chance Adjective Intentional, Deliberate
Constant Continuous, unchanging Adjective Variable, Sporadic
Civilized Advanced, refined, polite Adjective Barbarous, Primitive, Wild
Downward Towards a lower level Adjective/Adverb Upward

Additional Information on Antonyms and Vocabulary Building

Understanding antonyms is a key part of building a strong vocabulary. Antonyms are words that have opposite meanings. Learning antonyms helps you to grasp the nuances of word meanings and improves your ability to express contrast effectively.

  • When learning a new word, try to learn its synonyms (words with similar meanings) and antonyms (words with opposite meanings) at the same time.
  • Context is important. Sometimes a word can have multiple meanings, and its opposite might change depending on how it's used.
  • Practice using new words and their antonyms in sentences to solidify your understanding.
  • Regularly reviewing vocabulary lists helps in retaining the words and their relationships (like antonyms).

In this question, identifying the core meaning of "Barbarous" as being uncivilized and brutal directly leads to "civilized" as its most appropriate opposite.

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Important Questions from Synonyms or Antonyms

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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. 

  4. 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.

  5. 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.  

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