In the following question, out of the given four alternatives, 'Temporal'
select the one which is opposite in the meaning of the given word.
Spiritual
Understanding the Word 'Temporal'
The question asks us to find the word that is opposite in meaning to 'Temporal'. To do this, we first need to understand what 'Temporal' means.
The word 'Temporal' is an adjective that generally refers to things relating to worldly affairs as opposed to spiritual ones, or things relating to time.
- It contrasts with eternal or spiritual matters.
- It focuses on the physical world and the present life.
Analyzing the Given Options for the Antonym of Temporal
We are given four options:
- Material
- Fleshly
- Earthly
- Spiritual
Let's look at the meaning of each option to see which one is the opposite of 'Temporal'.
- Material: This relates to physical matter, rather than the intellect or spirit. Things that are material belong to the physical world. This is quite similar to the worldly aspect of 'Temporal'.
- Fleshly: This relates to the physical body and sensual appetites. It is often contrasted with spiritual or intellectual. This also aligns closely with the worldly/physical aspect of 'Temporal'.
- Earthly: This relates to the Earth or human life on Earth, as opposed to heaven or the spiritual realm. Like 'Material' and 'Fleshly', this term describes things connected to the physical world we live in. This is similar in meaning to 'Temporal'.
- Spiritual: This relates to the spirit or soul and not to physical things or the body. It concerns religious or sacred matters. This directly contrasts with the worldly, physical, and non-spiritual aspects of 'Temporal'.
Identifying the Opposite Meaning of 'Temporal'
Comparing the meanings, we can see that 'Material', 'Fleshly', and 'Earthly' all describe aspects that are similar to 'Temporal' – things related to the physical world, the body, or worldly affairs. 'Spiritual', however, describes things related to the spirit or soul, contrasting sharply with the worldly and physical nature of 'Temporal'.
'Spiritual' is the antonym of 'Temporal' because it represents the realm of the spirit and the eternal, which is the opposite of the temporal realm of the world and time.
Revision Table: Temporal vs. Spiritual
| Temporal | Spiritual |
|---|---|
| Relating to worldly affairs | Relating to the spirit or soul |
| Relating to time | Relating to eternal matters (often) |
| Physical, non-spiritual | Non-physical, sacred |
| Concerned with the present life/world | Concerned with religious/sacred matters |
Additional Information on Antonyms
Antonyms are words that have opposite meanings. Understanding antonyms is a crucial part of building vocabulary and improving comprehension. For example, 'hot' and 'cold' are antonyms. Finding the antonym helps clarify the meaning of the original word by highlighting its contrast.
Other pairs of antonyms include:
- Big <--> Small
- Happy <--> Sad
- Up <--> Down
In this case, 'Temporal' and 'Spiritual' are a clear pair of antonyms representing contrasting aspects of existence or concern.
Important Questions from Synonyms or Antonyms
Replace the question mark with an option that follows the same logic applied in the first pair.
Tranquil: Violent :: Belligerent: ??
Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the underlined word in the given sentence.
The nurse gave explicit instructions not to touch anything.Select the most appropriate synonym of the highlighted word in the given sentence.
Even during the crisis, she remained phlegmatic, calmly analysing the situation without showing any sign of panic.Select the most appropriate synonym of the highlighted word in the given sentence.
After weeks of healthy eating, I had a serious hankering for a juicy burger and fries.Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the underlined word in the given sentence.
The company's decision to downsize was intended to increase profitability.
