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Question

Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the given word.

INNOCUOUS

The correct answer is

Harmful

Finding the Antonym of INNOCUOUS

The question asks for the most appropriate antonym of the word INNOCUOUS. An antonym is a word that means the opposite of another word. To find the correct antonym, we first need to understand the meaning of INNOCUOUS and the given options.

Understanding INNOCUOUS

The word INNOCUOUS means not harmful or offensive. Think of something that is mild, safe, or unlikely to cause any trouble or damage.

Analyzing the Options

Let's look at the meanings of the given options:

  • Innocent: Means not guilty of a crime or offence. It can also mean simple or naive. While related to not causing harm in a legal or moral sense, it's not the direct opposite of 'not harmful' in a general sense.
  • Harmless: This word means not causing or likely to cause harm. This is actually a synonym of INNOCUOUS.
  • Harmful: This word means causing or likely to cause harm. This is the direct opposite of harmless and therefore the opposite of INNOCUOUS.
  • Indifferent: Means having no particular interest or sympathy; unconcerned. This word describes an attitude or feeling, not whether something causes harm.

Identifying the Antonym

Based on the meanings, the word that is the opposite of INNOCUOUS (not harmful) is Harmful (causing harm).

Word Meaning Relationship to INNOCUOUS
INNOCUOUS Not harmful or offensive The word in question
Innocent Not guilty; naive Not a direct antonym
Harmless Not causing harm Synonym
Harmful Causing harm Antonym
Indifferent Unconcerned Unrelated

Therefore, the most appropriate antonym for INNOCUOUS is Harmful.

Revision Table: Vocabulary Building

Word Meaning Antonym Synonym
INNOCUOUS Not harmful or offensive Harmful Harmless, Safe, Benign
Harmful Causing or likely to cause harm Innocuous, Harmless Dangerous, Damaging, Injurious

Additional Information: Antonyms and Synonyms

Understanding antonyms and synonyms is crucial for expanding vocabulary and improving comprehension. Antonyms help us define words by their opposites, while synonyms provide alternative words with similar meanings. For example:

  • Antonyms: Hot vs. Cold, Big vs. Small, Happy vs. Sad.
  • Synonyms: Happy vs. Joyful, Big vs. Large, Fast vs. Quick.

When studying a new word like INNOCUOUS, learning its antonyms (like Harmful) and synonyms (like Harmless) helps solidify its meaning in your mind and allows you to use the word more effectively in different contexts.

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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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