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Question

Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the underlined word.

The concert sounded was in cacophony with every instrument playing in synchronisation.

This question was previously asked in
SSC CGL 2022 Tier-II (Paper 2 JSO) Previous Year Paper (04-Mar-2023)
The correct answer is

harmony

Finding the Antonym of Cacophony

The question asks for the most appropriate antonym (opposite word) for the word "cacophony". Understanding the meaning of "cacophony" is key to solving this problem.

Understanding the Meaning of Cacophony

The word 'cacophony' refers to a harsh, jarring, or unpleasant mixture of sounds. Think of a lot of noise that doesn't sound good together.

The sentence provided, "The concert sounded was in cacophony with every instrument playing in synchronisation," contains a contradiction. If instruments are playing in synchronisation, the sound would typically be organised and pleasant, which is the opposite of cacophony. However, we need to focus on the meaning of the word 'cacophony' itself and find its direct antonym among the options.

Analysing the Options

Let's look at each option provided:

  1. harmony: Harmony refers to the combination of sounds considered pleasing to the ear. It implies agreement, balance, and a pleasant arrangement of sounds. This is the direct opposite of a harsh, unpleasant mix of sounds.
  2. alimony: Alimony is a financial support payment made to a former spouse. This word has absolutely no relation to sound or acoustics.
  3. bedlam: Bedlam means a state or scene of uproar and confusion. While often associated with noise, it describes a chaotic situation, which is related to the feeling a cacophony might create, but it is not a direct opposite of the sound itself; it can even be considered somewhat synonymous with the chaotic aspect of cacophony.
  4. sound: Sound is a general term for anything that can be heard. It is too broad and does not specifically represent the opposite of a harsh or unpleasant sound. Pleasant sounds, unpleasant sounds, loud sounds, soft sounds are all types of sound.

Identifying the Antonym of Cacophony

Comparing the meanings, 'harmony' is the most fitting antonym for 'cacophony'. Cacophony is unpleasant, harsh sound; harmony is pleasant, agreeable sound.

Conclusion

Based on the analysis of the meanings of the words, 'harmony' is the most appropriate antonym for 'cacophony'.

Word Meanings and Relationships
Word Meaning Relationship to Cacophony
Cacophony Harsh, unpleasant mix of sounds The word in question
Harmony Pleasant, agreeable combination of sounds Antonym
Alimony Financial support (unrelated) No relation
Bedlam Uproar and confusion (related concept, not direct sound antonym) Somewhat related (chaos/noise)
Sound Anything that can be heard (general term) Too general

Revision Table: Antonym of Cacophony

This table summarises the antonym relationship:

Word Antonym
Cacophony Harmony

Additional Information: Understanding Sound Words

Understanding words related to sound quality is important for vocabulary building. Here are a few related terms:

  • Euphony: This word refers to sounds that are pleasing to the ear, often through a harmonious combination of words or musical notes. It is also an antonym of cacophony, similar to harmony.
  • Discord: This refers to a lack of harmony or agreement, often used for sounds that are unpleasant or clashing. It is a synonym for cacophony.
  • Melody: A sequence of single notes that is musically satisfying. While distinct from harmony (which involves multiple notes played simultaneously), it contributes to pleasant sound.

When studying vocabulary, try to group words by meaning or relationship (synonyms, antonyms) to help remember them better.

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