Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the given word. PRECIOUS
worthless
Understanding Antonyms: Finding the Opposite of PRECIOUS
The question asks us to select the most appropriate antonym for the given word, which is PRECIOUS.
An antonym is a word that has the opposite meaning of another word. To find the antonym of PRECIOUS, we first need to understand its meaning.
Meaning of PRECIOUS
The word PRECIOUS means:
- Of great value; not to be wasted or treated carelessly.
- Loved; cherished (often used of a person or thing).
- (of a word, object, or style) Affected high-flown or quaint, in a way that is not natural or spontaneous. (This meaning is less common in the context of value).
In the context of the given options, the primary meaning of great value or cherished is relevant.
Analyzing the Options
Let's examine each option to see which word has a meaning opposite to PRECIOUS (meaning 'of great value'):
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costly:
Meaning: Expensive; costing a lot of money.
Analysis: Costly means having a high price or value. This is similar in meaning to PRECIOUS, particularly the sense of being of great value. Therefore, it is closer to a synonym than an antonym.
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worthless:
Meaning: Having no value; useless.
Analysis: Worthless means having zero or very little value. This is the direct opposite of PRECIOUS, which means having great value. This is a strong candidate for the antonym.
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ugly:
Meaning: Unpleasant or repulsive to look at.
Analysis: Ugly refers to appearance, specifically lacking beauty or attractiveness. PRECIOUS refers primarily to value or sentiment, not appearance. Therefore, ugly is not an antonym of PRECIOUS.
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plentiful:
Meaning: Existing in or affording great quantities; abundant.
Analysis: Plentiful refers to the quantity or abundance of something. PRECIOUS refers to value. Something can be precious and plentiful (e.g., water in a desert is precious, but globally water is plentiful) or precious and scarce. Quantity is not the opposite of value. Therefore, plentiful is not an antonym of PRECIOUS.
Conclusion: Finding the Antonym
Based on the analysis, the word that has the opposite meaning to PRECIOUS (of great value) is worthless (having no value).
| Word | Meaning | Relationship to PRECIOUS |
|---|---|---|
| PRECIOUS | Of great value; cherished | Given word |
| costly | Expensive; high value | Similar meaning (Synonym) |
| worthless | Having no value | Opposite meaning (Antonym) |
| ugly | Unpleasant to look at | Unrelated meaning (Appearance vs. Value) |
| plentiful | Existing in large quantities | Unrelated meaning (Quantity vs. Value) |
Therefore, the most appropriate antonym for PRECIOUS is worthless.
Revision Table: Understanding PRECIOUS
| Word | Meaning | Example Usage |
|---|---|---|
| PRECIOUS | Of great value; cherished | Her grandmother's ring is very PRECIOUS to her. |
| worthless | Having no value | The old, broken toy was considered worthless. |
Additional Information: Expanding Vocabulary
Understanding synonyms and antonyms is a key part of building a strong vocabulary. When learning a new word like PRECIOUS, it is helpful to also learn its synonyms (words with similar meanings) and antonyms (words with opposite meanings). This helps you use the word more effectively and understand nuances in language.
- Synonyms of PRECIOUS: Valuable, costly, expensive, cherished, treasured, prized.
- Antonyms of PRECIOUS: Worthless, valueless, cheap, common, abundant (in terms of being common rather than rare and valuable).
By studying word relationships, you improve your reading comprehension and writing skills for exams.
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.
