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Question

Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the underlined word.

Experts have shown that those who suffer from social anxieties and find it challenging to find a common language with others can overcome these obstacles by watching movies.

The correct answer is

Placidity

Understanding Antonyms: Finding the Opposite of Anxieties

The question asks us to identify the most appropriate antonym of the underlined word, which is "anxieties". An antonym is a word that means the opposite of another word.

What Does 'Anxieties' Mean?

The word "anxieties" refers to feelings of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about something with an uncertain outcome. It describes a state of being troubled or agitated mentally.

In the context of the sentence provided, "social anxieties" refers to feelings of worry or nervousness experienced in social situations, making it challenging to communicate or connect with others.

Analyzing the Options for the Antonym of Anxieties

Let's look at the given options and their meanings:

  • Placidity: This word means a state of being calm and peaceful; not easily upset or excited.
  • Desperation: This word means a state of despair, typically one which results in rash or reckless behaviour. It is an intense feeling arising from a hopeless situation.
  • Solace: This word means comfort or consolation in a time of distress or sadness.
  • Unconcern: This word means a lack of worry or interest; indifference.

Identifying the Best Antonym

We are looking for the word that represents the opposite state of feeling worried, nervous, or uneasy (anxieties).

  • Desperation is related to distress but is not the opposite of anxiety; it's more of an intense negative state.
  • Solace is something that provides relief from distress or anxiety, but it is not the opposite feeling itself.
  • Unconcern implies a lack of worry, which is related, but Placidity specifically describes a state of calm and peace, which is a direct opposite to the agitation and unease associated with anxieties. A state of calm is the opposite of a state of worry and nervousness.

Therefore, Placidity is the most appropriate antonym for "anxieties" as it represents the opposite state of being calm and untroubled.

Word Meaning Relationship to Anxieties
Anxieties Worry, nervousness, unease, agitation The core word
Placidity Calmness, tranquility, peace Opposite state
Desperation Despair, hopelessness (intense negative state) Related but not opposite
Solace Comfort in distress Relieves distress, not the opposite state
Unconcern Lack of worry, indifference Related but less direct than Placidity

Based on the analysis, Placidity is the word that means the opposite of anxieties.

Revision Table: Key Vocabulary

Word Type Meaning Antonym/Related
Anxieties Noun (plural) Feelings of worry, nervousness, or unease. Placidity (Antonym)
Placidity Noun A state of being calm and peaceful. Anxiety (Antonym)
Desperation Noun A state of despair. Hope (Antonym)
Solace Noun Comfort or consolation. Distress, Grief (Antonym)
Unconcern Noun Lack of worry or interest. Concern, Interest (Antonym)

Additional Information: Overcoming Social Anxieties

The sentence highlights that social anxieties can be obstacles in interacting with others. Overcoming these anxieties often involves strategies like exposure therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), or as suggested in the sentence, engaging in activities that build confidence and understanding of social cues, such as watching movies or practicing social interactions in a safe environment. Building confidence and skills helps individuals move towards a state of greater placidity in social settings.

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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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