Select the appropriate synonym for the underlined word. The symbols were useless to him.
worthless
Understanding the Word Useless
The question asks us to find the appropriate synonym for the underlined word, which is "useless". To find a synonym, we need to understand the meaning of the word "useless".
The word "useless" means not useful; having no use; serving no purpose or function; incapable of working or functioning.
In the context of the sentence, "The symbols were useless to him," it means the symbols had no use or value for him; they did not help him in any way.
Analyzing the Options for the Synonym of Useless
Let's look at the given options and their meanings:
- worthless: Having no value, significance, or use. This word strongly matches the meaning of "useless". If something is useless, it often has no worth or value in that situation.
- successful: Achieving success; having achieved a desired aim or result. This is the opposite of useless.
- valuable: Worth a great deal of money, or extremely useful or important. This is also the opposite of useless.
- reachable: Able to be reached, accessed, or contacted. This word refers to accessibility, not usefulness or value.
Identifying the Appropriate Synonym
Comparing the meaning of "useless" with the meanings of the options, we can see that "worthless" is the word that is closest in meaning to "useless". If the symbols were useless to him, it means they had no worth or value for him.
| Word | Meaning | Is it a synonym for Useless? |
|---|---|---|
| Useless | Not useful; having no use or value | - |
| Worthless | Having no value or use | Yes |
| Successful | Achieving desired results | No (Opposite) |
| Valuable | Having great worth or importance | No (Opposite) |
| Reachable | Able to be reached | No (Unrelated meaning) |
Based on the analysis, the most appropriate synonym for "useless" among the given options is "worthless".
Revision Table: Understanding Synonyms
Revision is key to mastering vocabulary. Let's quickly review the concept of synonyms and related terms.
| Term | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Synonym | A word or phrase that means exactly or nearly the same as another word or phrase in the same language. | Big and Large are synonyms. |
| Antonym | A word opposite in meaning to another. | Big and Small are antonyms. |
| Homophone | Each of two or more words having the same pronunciation but different meanings, origins, or spelling. | Hour and Our are homophones. |
Additional Information: Expanding Vocabulary Related to Usefulness
Exploring words with similar or opposite meanings helps build a stronger vocabulary.
Words related to being useful or valuable:
- Helpful
- Beneficial
- Effective
- Productive
- Functional
Words related to being useless or without value:
- Futile
- Pointless
- Ineffective
- Worthless
- Redundant
Understanding the nuances between these words is important for precise communication.
Important Questions from Synonyms or Antonyms
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
