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Question

Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the given word.

SACRED

The correct answer is

Profane

Finding the Antonym of Sacred Vocabulary Word

The question asks us to select the most appropriate antonym for the given word "SACRED". An antonym is a word that means the opposite of another word. To find the correct antonym, we need to understand the meaning of "SACRED" and the meaning of each option provided.

Understanding the Vocabulary

Let's define the words involved:

  • SACRED: Connected with God or a god; dedicated to a religious purpose and so deserving veneration. It refers to things considered holy or set apart for religious use.
  • Pious: Devoutly religious. This describes a person who is very religious or shows religious devotion.
  • Solemn: Formal and dignified; not cheerful or smiling; serious. Often used to describe religious ceremonies or serious occasions.
  • Profane: Relating or devoted to that which is not sacred or biblical; secular rather than religious. It refers to things that are ordinary, worldly, or not connected with religion.
  • Divine: Of, from, or like God or a god. This word is often used as a synonym for sacred or holy.

Analyzing the Options for Antonym

Now let's consider how each option relates to "SACRED":

  • Pious: This describes a quality of a person (devoutly religious) which is often associated with sacred things, but it is not the opposite of sacred itself.
  • Solemn: This describes a mood or atmosphere that might be present during sacred events, but it is not the opposite of sacred.
  • Profane: This word explicitly refers to things that are not sacred or religious. It represents the secular or worldly realm, in contrast to the sacred realm.
  • Divine: This is a synonym for sacred, meaning related to God or gods. It is the opposite of an antonym.

Identifying the Correct Antonym

Based on the definitions, "Profane" is the word that directly means the opposite of "SACRED". While sacred things are considered holy and set apart for religious purposes, profane things are ordinary, worldly, and not connected to religion.

Here is a comparison:

Word Meaning Relationship to SACRED
SACRED Holy, dedicated to religion The base word
Pious Devoutly religious (person) Related concept, not antonym
Solemn Serious, dignified (mood/occasion) Related context, not antonym
Profane Not sacred, worldly, secular Antonym
Divine Related to God, holy Synonym

Therefore, "Profane" is the most appropriate antonym for "SACRED".

Revision Table: Sacred and Profane Vocabulary

Word Type Word Meaning/Context
Main Word SACRED Holy, religious, spiritual, set apart
Antonym Profane Worldly, secular, ordinary, not sacred
Synonym/Related Pious Devout, religious (describes a person)
Synonym/Related Solemn Serious, dignified (describes an event or mood)
Synonym/Related Divine Holy, godly, sacred

Additional Vocabulary Information

Understanding synonyms and antonyms is a key part of building vocabulary. Synonyms are words with similar meanings, while antonyms are words with opposite meanings. Knowing these relationships helps you use words more precisely and understand texts better.

For example:

  • Synonyms of SACRED include holy, divine, consecrated, hallowed.
  • Antonyms of SACRED include profane, secular, worldly, temporal.

Context is also important. While 'profane' is a direct antonym, sometimes 'secular' is used depending on the specific nuance needed to contrast with sacred ideas or institutions.

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Important Questions from Synonyms or Antonyms

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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. 

  4. 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.

  5. 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.  

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