Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the underlined word in the sentence. He laboured very hard but could not yield anything from the barren piece of land.
Fertile
Understanding the Antonym of Barren Land
The question asks us to find the most appropriate antonym for the word "barren" as used in the sentence: "He laboured very hard but could not yield anything from the barren piece of land."
In this context, "barren" describes the land. When land is described as barren, it means it is unable to produce plants, crops, or vegetation. It is unproductive and infertile.
Analyzing the Options for the Antonym of Barren
Let's look at the given options and their meanings:- Fruitless: This word means failing to achieve the desired results; unproductive or useless. While related to being unproductive, "fruitless" is often used for efforts or discussions rather than the physical quality of land itself in contrast to its ability to support plant life.
- Vile: This means extremely unpleasant or morally bad. It has no relation to the productivity or quality of land for growing things.
- Sterile: When used to describe land, "sterile" means lacking the nutrients needed to produce vegetation. It is a synonym for barren land, not an antonym.
- Fertile: This word is used to describe land or soil that is rich in nutrients and capable of producing abundant vegetation or crops. This is the direct opposite of land that is barren or unproductive.
Identifying the Correct Antonym for Barren
The sentence states that the land was barren, and the person could not yield anything from it, meaning it was unproductive. We are looking for a word that describes land that can yield things, land that is productive.
Based on the definitions, "fertile" is the word that means capable of producing vegetation, which is the direct opposite of "barren" land that cannot produce vegetation.
Therefore, the most appropriate antonym for "barren" in this context is "Fertile".
| Word | Meaning (related to land) | Relationship to 'Barren' |
|---|---|---|
| Barren | Cannot produce vegetation; unproductive | The word in question |
| Fruitless | Unproductive (often used for efforts/results) | Related but not a direct antonym for land quality |
| Vile | Extremely unpleasant; bad | Unrelated |
| Sterile | Cannot produce vegetation; lacking nutrients | Synonym |
| Fertile | Can produce abundant vegetation; productive | Antonym |
The antonym of 'barren' when referring to land is 'fertile'.
Revision Table: Barren Word Analysis
| Word | Meaning | Type | Example Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barren | (of land) unable to produce vegetation; unproductive | Adjective | A barren desert landscape. |
| Fertile | (of land) capable of producing abundant vegetation; productive | Adjective | Fertile soil for farming. |
| Sterile | (of land) lacking nutrients; unproductive | Adjective | The land was sterile after years of neglect. |
Additional Information on Antonyms of Barren
While "fertile" is the most common and direct antonym for "barren" when describing land, words like "productive" and "fruitful" can also serve as antonyms in broader contexts, though "fertile" specifically relates to the biological capacity of soil/land to grow plants. The word "barren" can also be used metaphorically to describe things lacking vitality, interest, or results (e.g., a barren discussion), where its antonyms might shift to words like "lively," "fruitful," or "productive." However, in the context of land and yielding crops, "fertile" is the precise antonym.
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.
