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

In the following question, out of the given four alternatives,
select the one which is opposite in the meaning of the given word.

'Temporal'

The correct answer is

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:

  1. Material
  2. Fleshly
  3. Earthly
  4. 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.

Was this answer helpful?

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?

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