Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the underlined word. Suggesting that Irish inflation may have a knock-on effect on the euro zone is fatuous and absurd.
Sensible
Understanding the Question: Finding the Antonym of Fatuous
The question asks us to select the most appropriate antonym for the underlined word 'fatuous' in the given sentence: "Suggesting that Irish inflation may have a knock-on effect on the euro zone is fatuous and absurd."
An antonym is a word that means the opposite of another word.
Defining the Word 'Fatuous'
The word 'fatuous' means:
- Silly and pointless.
- Foolish or lacking sense.
- Complacently or inanely foolish.
In the context of the sentence, calling the suggestion 'fatuous' implies that the idea is foolish, lacks good judgment, and perhaps is ridiculous or pointless.
Analyzing the Options
We need to find the word among the options that has a meaning opposite to 'fatuous' (silly, foolish, pointless, lacking sense).
Let's look at each option:
- Relevant: This means connected with or appropriate to the matter at hand. While 'fatuous' can sometimes imply being pointless, which is related to relevance, 'relevant' is primarily the antonym of 'irrelevant'. It doesn't directly capture the 'foolish' or 'lacking sense' aspect of 'fatuous'.
- Serious: This means solemn or grave; not joking. While 'fatuous' involves silliness, 'serious' is more directly the antonym of 'silly' in the context of mood or tone, rather than 'lacking sense' or 'pointless'.
- Meek: This means quiet, gentle, and easily imposed on; submissive. This word has no direct relationship in meaning to 'fatuous'.
- Sensible: This means possessing or using common sense; judicious; practical and functional. This word directly opposes the meaning of 'fatuous' which means foolish or lacking sense. Someone who is sensible makes decisions based on good judgment, which is the opposite of being fatuous.
Identifying the Most Appropriate Antonym
Comparing the options, 'Sensible' is the most appropriate antonym for 'fatuous'. 'Fatuous' describes something foolish and lacking sense, whereas 'Sensible' describes something that shows good sense and judgment.
Therefore, the most appropriate antonym of fatuous is Sensible.
Revision Table: Key Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning | Antonym |
|---|---|---|
| Fatuous | Silly, foolish, lacking sense, pointless | Sensible, wise, judicious |
| Relevant | Connected to the matter at hand | Irrelevant |
| Serious | Solemn, not joking, important | Trivial, humorous, lighthearted |
| Meek | Quiet, submissive, gentle | Bold, assertive, arrogant |
| Sensible | Having good sense, judicious, practical | Fatuous, foolish, silly, impractical |
Additional Information: Synonyms and Usage
Understanding synonyms and usage context can further clarify the meaning of words like 'fatuous'.
- Synonyms of Fatuous: Silly, foolish, inane, stupid, pointless, nonsensical, ridiculous, absurd.
- Synonyms of Sensible: Practical, functional, reasonable, rational, logical, judicious, wise, intelligent.
The word 'fatuous' often carries a connotation of being foolish in a self-satisfied or smug way, although the primary meaning is simply foolish or lacking sense. 'Sensible' clearly stands in opposition to this lack of sense and judgment.
Important Questions from Synonyms or Antonyms
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