Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the highlighted word. His action doesn’t warrant such a punishment.
breach
Finding the Antonym of 'Warrant'
The question asks us to find the most appropriate antonym for the highlighted word 'warrant' in the sentence, "His action doesn’t warrant such a punishment."
Understanding the Word 'Warrant' in Context
In the given sentence, the word 'warrant' is used as a verb. It means to justify, necessitate, or make something appropriate or necessary. The sentence "His action doesn’t warrant such a punishment" means that his action is not severe or significant enough to justify or require such a harsh punishment.
So, 'warrant' here relates to the idea of deserving or making something necessary based on certain conditions (in this case, the nature of the action).
Analyzing the Options for the Antonym of Warrant
We need to find a word from the options that has a meaning opposite to 'warrant' (justify/necessitate) in this context. Let's look at each option:
- captivate: To attract and hold the attention or interest of someone; to charm. This word is unrelated to the meaning of 'warrant' as justify or necessitate.
- support: To hold up; to bear the weight of; to give approval, comfort, or encouragement. While supporting a decision might involve justification, 'support' is not a direct antonym for 'warrant' in the sense of justifying a consequence.
- triumph: A great victory or achievement. This word has no relationship to the meaning of 'warrant' in the context of justification or necessity.
- breach: As a noun, a breach is an act of breaking or failing to observe a law, agreement, or code of conduct. As a verb, to breach means to break or violate. An action that constitutes a 'breach' often *does* justify or necessitate a negative consequence, such as a punishment. This is contrary to an action that *doesn't warrant* (i.e., doesn't justify) a punishment.
Why 'Breach' is the Appropriate Antonym
The sentence states that the action *doesn't warrant* a severe punishment, meaning the action is not severe enough to justify it. The opposite would be an action that *does warrant* a severe punishment, meaning it is severe enough to justify it. An action that is a 'breach' (a violation or breaking of rules) is precisely the type of action that typically *does* warrant a punishment.
Therefore, 'breach', representing an action that violates rules and thus necessitates consequences, functions as an antonym to an action that fails to justify or necessitate a punishment (doesn't warrant it).
| Word | Meaning in Context | Relationship to "Doesn't Warrant" |
|---|---|---|
| Warrant | Justify / Necessitate | His action doesn't justify the punishment. |
| Captivate | Charm | Unrelated. |
| Support | Endorse / Hold up | Not a direct opposite in this context. |
| Triumph | Victory | Unrelated. |
| Breach | Violation / Breaking a rule | An action that is a breach typically *does* warrant (justify) punishment. This is the opposite of an action that *doesn't* warrant punishment. |
Based on the analysis, 'breach' is the most appropriate antonym for 'warrant' in the sense it is used in the sentence.
Vocabulary Revision Table
| Word | Meaning | Contextual Antonym |
|---|---|---|
| Warrant | To justify or necessitate | Breach (in the sense of an action that violates and thus necessitates a consequence) |
Additional Information on Antonyms and Vocabulary
Understanding antonyms is crucial for building vocabulary and improving comprehension. Antonyms are words that have opposite meanings. However, the "opposite" can sometimes depend on the specific context in which a word is used.
- Words can have multiple meanings, and their antonyms can change depending on which meaning is being considered.
- For example, 'cold' can mean a low temperature (antonym: hot) or unfriendly behavior (antonym: warm/friendly).
- In this question, we focused on the specific meaning of 'warrant' related to justification and necessity for a consequence like punishment.
- 'Breach' most closely represents the type of action that is contrary to one that fails to warrant a punishment, by being an action that typically *would* warrant a punishment.
Important Questions from Synonyms or Antonyms
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
