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

Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the bracketed word in the given sentence.

It is irrelevance, at least to me, whether the grant was (improvident) or no.

The correct answer is

thrifty

Understanding the Word Improvident

The question asks for the most appropriate antonym (opposite meaning) of the word "improvident" as used in the sentence: "It is irrelevance, at least to me, whether the grant was (improvident) or no."

Let's break down the meaning of the word "improvident". The word comes from 'im-' (meaning not) and 'provident' (meaning preparing for the future, thrifty). Therefore, "improvident" means:

  • Not having or showing foresight.
  • Failing to plan for the future.
  • Spending money or resources carelessly or wastefully.

In the context of the sentence, the word "improvident" describes a grant that was perhaps given without careful planning, potentially leading to waste or lack of preparation for future needs.

Analyzing the Options for the Antonym of Improvident

We are looking for a word that means the opposite of being careless, wasteful, or lacking foresight, especially concerning money or resources. Let's examine the given options:

  1. hungry: This relates to the need for food and is not relevant to careful planning, spending, or resource management.
  2. cautious: This means showing care to avoid potential problems or dangers. While related to foresight, it's a broader term for being careful in general, not specifically about managing money or resources effectively to prevent waste.
  3. thrifty: This means using money and other resources carefully and not wastefully. A thrifty person plans and spends wisely, which is the direct opposite of being improvident or wasteful with resources.
  4. tardy: This means delaying or being late. It relates to time, not to financial planning or resource management.

Identifying the Most Appropriate Antonym

Comparing the options, "thrifty" is the word that most directly represents the opposite of "improvident". While "cautious" shares some overlap in implying foresight, "thrifty" specifically addresses the careful and non-wasteful use of money and resources, which is a primary characteristic of being improvident.

Therefore, the most appropriate antonym for "improvident" in this context is "thrifty".

Word Meaning Relevance as Antonym of Improvident
Improvident Not planning for the future; wasteful with money/resources. Target word.
hungry Needing food. Not related.
cautious Careful to avoid risks/dangers. Related to foresight, but not specifically financial care/non-wastefulness.
thrifty Using money/resources carefully; not wasteful. Direct opposite of being improvident/wasteful.
tardy Late. Not related.

Conclusion on Improvident Antonym

Based on the meanings of the words, "thrifty" is the most fitting antonym for "improvident" as it describes the careful and efficient management of resources, directly contrasting with the wasteful and unplanned nature of something improvident.

Revision Table: Key Vocabulary

Word Definition Antonym(s)
Improvident Not thinking about or planning for the future, especially regarding money; wasteful. Provident, thrifty, frugal, careful, far-sighted.
Thrifty Using money and other resources carefully and not wastefully. Improvident, wasteful, extravagant, spendthrift.

Additional Information on Antonyms and Word Study

Understanding antonyms is a key part of building vocabulary. Antonyms are words that have opposite meanings. Sometimes, a word can have several antonyms depending on the specific shade of meaning being emphasized. For "improvident", antonyms like "provident", "frugal", and "careful" can also be used in different contexts, but "thrifty" is a very strong and direct opposite focusing on the careful handling of resources, particularly money.

When studying vocabulary, try to:

  • Learn words in context (like in the sentence provided).
  • Understand the roots and prefixes (like 'im-' meaning 'not').
  • Identify synonyms (words with similar meanings) and antonyms (words with opposite meanings).
  • Use the word in your own sentences to solidify your understanding.

This approach helps in remembering the word and using it correctly in various situations, improving overall language proficiency for exams like vocabulary tests.

Was this answer helpful?

Important Questions from Miscellaneous

  1. A stone is thrown horizontally from the top of a 20 m high building with a speed of 12 m/s. It hits the ground at a distance R from the building. Taking g = 10 m/s2 and neglecting air resistance will give :

  2. A mass is attached to a spring that hangs vertically. The extension produced in the spring is 6 cm on Earth. The acceleration due to gravity on the surface of the Moon is one-sixth of its value on the surface of the Earth. The extension of the spring on the Moon would be:

  3. Directions: Each 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 your Answer Sheet accordingly.

    The deluge affected the population.
  4. The major source of vitamins and minerals for vegetarians is

  5. Which of the following statements about the Deccan Riots Commission is/are correct?

    1. The Commission did not hold enquiries in the districts which were not affected.

    2. The Commission did record the statements of ryots, sahukars and eye-witnesses.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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