Antonym Identification

The question requires finding the word that is the opposite in meaning (antonym) to the bracketed word, 'barren', and inserting it into the sentence.

Barren vs Fertile Explained

The word 'barren' describes land that is unproductive, unable to grow crops or sustain vegetation.

An antonym is a word that has the opposite meaning. The opposite of 'barren' (unproductive) is a word signifying productivity and the capacity to grow crops.

Reviewing the options provided:

• 'stark' means severe or bare in appearance.
• 'devoid' means entirely lacking or free from something.
• 'fertile' means producing or capable of producing abundant vegetation or crops. This is the direct antonym of 'barren'.
• 'arid' means characterized by a severe lack of water; very dry. While arid lands can be barren, 'arid' is not the direct antonym of 'barren'.

Thus, 'fertile' is the most appropriate antonym for 'barren'.

Sentence Completion with Antonym

The task is to place this antonym, 'fertile', into the given sentence:

"The land near arid regions is not __________ (barren) enough for growing crops or any kind of vegetation."

By inserting the antonym 'fertile' into the blank:

"The land near arid regions is not fertile enough for growing crops or any kind of vegetation."

This sentence implies that the land in question lacks sufficient fertility, which is a plausible description for areas bordering arid regions.

Conclusion: Choosing the Correct Option

The word 'fertile' is the correct antonym for 'barren'. Therefore, it is the appropriate word to fill the blank according to the question's instructions.

The correct option is 3.