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Question

Select the most appropriate antonym of the given word.

TARDY

The correct answer is

PROMPT

Finding the Antonym of TARDY

The question asks for the most appropriate antonym of the word "TARDY". An antonym is a word that has the opposite meaning of another word.

Understanding the Word TARDY

The word TARDY means delayed or later than expected or required. For example, being tardy for a meeting means arriving late.

Analyzing the Options

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

  • BELATED: This word means happening or arriving later than the normal or expected time. It is essentially a synonym for tardy. Example: a belated birthday wish.
  • OVERDUE: This means not having arrived, happened, or been done by the expected time. It is also a synonym for tardy, particularly in contexts like payments or library books. Example: an overdue bill.
  • DELINQUENT: This term often refers to someone failing to fulfill an obligation, especially financial. A delinquent payment is one that is overdue or tardy. While it has a broader meaning, in some contexts, it implies lateness or failure to meet deadlines.
  • PROMPT: This word means done quickly without delay, or acting without delay. Someone prompt arrives on time or acts quickly. Example: a prompt reply.

Identifying the Antonym

We are looking for the word that means the opposite of being late or delayed (tardy). Comparing the meanings:

  • TARDY → Late, Delayed
  • BELATED → Late, Delayed (Synonym)
  • OVERDUE → Late, Delayed (Synonym)
  • DELINQUENT → Failing obligations, often implying lateness (Related, sometimes synonym)
  • PROMPT → On time, Quick (Antonym)

The word that is most directly opposite to being late or delayed is being on time or quick, which is the meaning of PROMPT.

Conclusion

Based on the meanings of the words, the most appropriate antonym for TARDY is PROMPT.

Word Meanings and Relationship to Tardy
Word Meaning Relationship to Tardy
TARDY Late; delayed Base word
BELATED Later than expected Synonym
OVERDUE Not done by expected time Synonym
DELINQUENT Failing obligation (often late) Related / Near Synonym
PROMPT On time; quick Antonym

Revision Table: Understanding Antonyms

Key Concepts for Finding Antonyms
Concept Description Example (Antonym of TARDY)
Antonym Definition A word opposite in meaning to another. PROMPT is the antonym of TARDY.
Synonym Definition A word similar in meaning to another. BELATED, OVERDUE are synonyms of TARDY.
Contextual Meaning How a word's meaning might vary depending on use. TARDY often relates to arrival time or deadlines.

Additional Information: Expanding Vocabulary with Antonyms

Learning antonyms is a great way to expand your vocabulary and improve your understanding of word meanings. When you learn a new word like TARDY, thinking about its opposite (PROMPT) helps solidify its meaning and usage. Exploring synonyms (like BELATED and OVERDUE) also provides richer ways to express similar ideas.

Understanding the nuances between synonyms and related words (like DELINQUENT compared to TARDY) can further enhance your linguistic precision. Always consider the specific context in which a word is used when determining its meaning or finding its antonym.

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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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