Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the underlined word in the given sentence. Your views related to morality are outdated and puritanical.
permissive
Understanding the Question: Antonym of Puritanical
The question asks us to find the most appropriate antonym for the underlined word "puritanical" in the sentence: "Your views related to morality are outdated and puritanical." An antonym is a word that means the opposite of another word. We need to understand the meaning of "puritanical" to find its opposite.
Defining Puritanical Views on Morality
The word "puritanical" refers to having or displaying a strict or austere moral code, especially one that disapproves of pleasure or luxury. It suggests a rigid adherence to moral rules, often in a way that might be considered excessively strict or conservative. When applied to views related to morality, it implies a severe, often disapproving, stance on behaviour and conduct.
Analysing the Options for Antonyms
Let's look at the given options and their meanings to determine which one is the most appropriate antonym for "puritanical":
- orthodox: Conforming to what is generally or traditionally accepted as right or true; established and approved. While orthodox views can sometimes be strict, the word primarily means following established norms or traditions, not necessarily the opposite of strictness itself.
- prudish: Having or indicating a reluctance to talk about subjects regarded as sexy; excessively concerned with propriety and modesty. This word describes someone who is easily shocked or excessively concerned with avoiding impropriety, particularly in relation to sex. This is very similar in meaning to aspects of being puritanical, especially regarding moral strictness about pleasure and modesty. It is closer to a synonym than an antonym.
- permissive: Allowing or characterized by great or excessive freedom of behaviour. This word describes a willingness to allow people to do what they want, with minimal restriction or strictness. This is the direct opposite of being strict and austere about behaviour and morality.
- blasphemous: Sacrilegious against God or sacred things; profane. This word relates to irreverence towards religion or sacred concepts. It is not directly related to the strictness or laxity of a moral code regarding general behaviour or pleasure, which is the core meaning of puritanical.
Why Permissive is the Antonym
Comparing the options, "permissive" directly contrasts with the idea of a strict, austere moral code implied by "puritanical". While "puritanical" means being very strict and rigid about morality and behaviour, "permissive" means allowing significant freedom and lacking strictness. Therefore, "permissive" is the most appropriate antonym.
| Word | Meaning | Relation to Puritanical |
|---|---|---|
| Puritanical | Strict, austere moral code; disapproving of pleasure | Underlined word |
| Orthodox | Following established norms/traditions | Can be strict, but not necessarily opposite of strictness |
| Prudish | Excessively modest; easily shocked by impropriety (esp. sexual) | Similar meaning (synonym-like) |
| Permissive | Allowing great freedom of behaviour; not strict | Opposite meaning (antonym) |
| Blasphemous | Irreverent towards sacred things | Unrelated meaning |
Revision Table: Vocabulary Review
| Word | Definition Summary | Antonym Example |
|---|---|---|
| Puritanical | Very strict about morals | Permissive |
| Orthodox | Following tradition | Unconventional |
| Prudish | Easily shocked by impropriety | Lascivious, bold |
| Permissive | Allowing freedom | Strict, restrictive |
| Blasphemous | Disrespectful to religion | Reverent, pious |
Additional Information: Exploring Antonyms and Synonyms
Understanding antonyms and synonyms helps build vocabulary. While "permissive" is a clear antonym for "puritanical", words like "liberal", "lenient", or "lax" could also be considered antonyms depending on the specific context of strictness being referred to. Similarly, synonyms for "puritanical" include "strict", "austere", "rigid", "prudish", and "moralistic". The best antonym or synonym often depends on the nuances of the sentence in which the word is used.
In the given sentence, the phrase "views related to morality" sets the context, making "permissive" (allowing freedom in moral behaviour) a fitting opposite to "puritanical" (being very strict about moral behaviour).
Important Questions from Synonyms or Antonyms
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