Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the given word. Malleable
Stiff
Finding the Antonym of Malleable
The question asks us to select the most appropriate antonym of the word Malleable. An antonym is a word that means the opposite of another word.
Understanding the Word Malleable
The word Malleable is often used to describe materials that can be easily shaped or hammered into thin sheets without breaking. Figuratively, it can also describe something or someone easily influenced or adaptable.
In essence, Malleable means:
- Easily shaped or molded
- Pliable
- Flexible
- Adaptable
Analyzing the Options for Antonym of Malleable
Let's look at the given options and their meanings to find the opposite of Malleable:
- Resilient: This means able to spring back into shape or recover quickly from difficulties. While a resilient material might return to its original shape after being deformed (unlike a malleable one which stays in the new shape), this isn't the primary opposite of being easily shaped.
- Flexible: This means able to bend easily without breaking. Flexibility is very similar to being malleable; in fact, something malleable is often also flexible. This is closer to a synonym than an antonym.
- Variable: This means not consistent or having a fixed pattern; liable to change. This relates to change but not specifically to being easily shaped or molded. It's not an antonym for malleable.
- Stiff: This means not easily bent or changed in shape; rigid. Something that is stiff resists shaping and molding. This is the direct opposite of being easily shaped or malleable.
Identifying the Correct Antonym
Based on the analysis of the word Malleable and the given options, the word that means the opposite of easily shaped or molded (malleable) is Stiff.
Detailed Comparison of Malleable and Stiff
Let's compare the core meanings:
- Malleable: Easy to shape, bend, or mold.
- Stiff: Difficult to shape, bend, or mold; rigid.
These two concepts are clearly opposite. A blacksmith works with malleable metal to shape it. A stiff material, like a rigid piece of plastic or a board, resists being shaped or bent.
Revision Table: Malleable Antonyms
| Word | Meaning | Relationship to Malleable |
|---|---|---|
| Malleable | Easily shaped or molded | The word in question |
| Resilient | Springs back into shape; recovers quickly | Related but not direct opposite of shaping |
| Flexible | Bends easily | Synonym or close meaning |
| Variable | Liable to change | Unrelated to shaping/pliability |
| Stiff | Not easily bent or shaped; rigid | Direct Antonym |
Additional Information: Vocabulary Building
Understanding antonyms and synonyms is crucial for building a strong vocabulary. Knowing the opposite of a word helps solidify its meaning. When learning a new word like Malleable, try to think of both words that mean the same (synonyms like pliable, flexible) and words that mean the opposite (antonyms like stiff, rigid, inflexible).
Practice identifying antonyms and synonyms by using words in sentences or finding them in texts. This helps you understand the nuances of language and improve your comprehension and expression skills for exams.
Important Questions from Miscellaneous
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 :
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:
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.The major source of vitamins and minerals for vegetarians is
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:
