In the following question, out of the given four alternatives, select the one which best expresses the meaning of the given word. Defile
Corrupt
Understanding the Meaning of 'Defile'
The question asks us to find the word that best expresses the meaning of 'Defile' from the given options. Let's look at the meaning of the word 'Defile' and each of the options.
The word Defile means to make something dirty, impure, or corrupt. It can refer to making something physically dirty or morally or spiritually impure. It often implies violating or disrespecting something considered sacred or pure.
Analyzing the Options
- Corrupt: This word means to spoil or destroy the integrity of something. It can mean making something impure or immoral, or causing it to become rotten or dishonest. This meaning aligns closely with 'Defile', especially in the sense of making something impure or spoiling its integrity.
- Hallow: To hallow means to make something holy or sacred. This is the opposite of defiling something.
- Sanctify: To sanctify also means to make something holy, pure, or sacred. This is another word that is an antonym (opposite) of 'Defile'.
- Honour: To honour means to regard with great respect or to fulfill an obligation. While defiling something might be considered dishonorable, 'Honour' itself is not a direct synonym for 'Defile'.
Comparing Meanings and Selecting the Best Fit
Comparing the meaning of 'Defile' with the given options:
- 'Defile' means to make impure/corrupt.
- 'Corrupt' means to spoil/make impure/destroy integrity.
- 'Hallow' and 'Sanctify' mean to make holy/pure (opposite).
- 'Honour' means respect (unrelated as a synonym).
Based on the meanings, 'Corrupt' is the word that best expresses the meaning of 'Defile' as both involve making something impure or spoiling its original state, whether physically, morally, or spiritually.
Therefore, the best synonym for 'Defile' among the given options is 'Corrupt'.
| Word | Meaning | Relation to 'Defile' |
|---|---|---|
| Defile | To make impure or corrupt | Target word |
| Corrupt | To spoil or make impure | Best synonym |
| Hallow | To make holy | Antonym |
| Sanctify | To make holy | Antonym |
| Honour | Respect | Not a synonym |
Revision Table: Understanding Defile and its Synonym
| Term | Key Concept |
|---|---|
| Defile | Making something impure or corrupt; polluting. |
| Corrupt | Spoiling, making impure, or destroying integrity. Closest synonym for Defile. |
| Synonym | A word or phrase that means exactly or nearly the same as another word or phrase in the same language. |
| Antonym | A word opposite in meaning to another. |
Additional Information: Exploring Synonyms and Antonyms
Understanding synonyms and antonyms is a key part of building vocabulary. Synonyms help us express ideas in different ways and understand nuances in meaning. Antonyms help clarify the meaning of a word by showing what it is not.
For the word 'Defile', other synonyms could include:
- Pollute
- Contaminate
- Spoil
- Taint
- Desecrate (especially when referring to something sacred)
Antonyms for 'Defile' include:
- Purify
- Cleanse
- Sanctify
- Hallow
When encountering a new word in a multiple-choice question asking for the best synonym, it's helpful to consider the precise meaning of the target word and then evaluate how closely each option matches that meaning, while also identifying any antonyms or unrelated words.
Important Questions from Synonyms or Antonyms
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.
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Wars leave behind a large number ofemaciatedsoldiers in the camps of both the victorious and the vanquished.
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.
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The audience thoroughly enjoyed thehilariousdrama.
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.
