Select the most appropriate ANTONYM to replace the italicised word. He greeted Charles with a languid wave of his hand.
energetic
Finding the Antonym of Languid
The question asks us to find the most appropriate antonym for the word "languid" as used in the sentence: "He greeted Charles with a languid wave of his hand." An antonym is a word that means the opposite of another word.
Let's first understand the meaning of "languid". When someone is described as having a languid movement or expression, it means they are showing or having a disinclination for physical exertion or effort; slow and relaxed, or weak and faint. In the context of a wave, a languid wave would be slow, unenergetic, and perhaps weak.
Analyzing the Options
Let's look at the meanings of the given options:
- supine: Lying face upwards. This word describes a physical position and has no relation to the energy or speed of a movement like a wave.
- sluggish: Slow-moving or inactive. This word is actually very close in meaning to "languid". A sluggish wave would also be slow and lacking energy. Therefore, it is a synonym, not an antonym.
- energetic: Showing or involving great activity or vitality. This describes movement or action that is full of energy, lively, and vigorous. This is the opposite of being slow, weak, or disinclined to effort.
- lackadaisical: Lacking enthusiasm and determination; carelessly lazy. This word also describes a state similar to languidness or sluggishness, implying a lack of energy or effort. It is also a synonym or a very close synonym of "languid".
Comparing Meanings
We are looking for a word that is the opposite of "languid". Languid implies a lack of energy, slowness, and weakness in movement. Let's compare this with the options:
| Word | Meaning | Relation to Languid |
|---|---|---|
| Languid | Slow, relaxed, weak, lacking energy | Base word |
| Supine | Lying face upwards | Unrelated |
| Sluggish | Slow-moving, inactive | Synonym |
| Energetic | Full of energy, active, vigorous | Opposite (Antonym) |
| Lackadaisical | Lacking enthusiasm, lazy | Synonym |
Identifying the Antonym
Based on the meanings, "sluggish" and "lackadaisical" are synonyms of "languid", meaning they describe something similar. "Supine" is completely unrelated. "Energetic" describes something that is full of energy and activity, which is the direct opposite of "languid" which means lacking energy and being slow or weak.
Therefore, the most appropriate antonym for "languid" is "energetic".
Revision Table: Understanding Antonyms
| Concept | Explanation | Example (using Languid) |
|---|---|---|
| Antonym | A word opposite in meaning to another word. | The antonym of 'languid' is 'energetic'. |
| Synonym | A word or phrase that means exactly or nearly the same as another word or phrase. | Synonyms of 'languid' include 'sluggish', 'lethargic', 'lackadaisical'. |
| Context | The circumstances that form the setting for an event, statement, or idea, and in terms of which it can be fully understood. | Understanding 'languid' in the context of a 'wave' helps identify its meaning (slow, unenergetic wave). |
Additional Information: Expanding Vocabulary
Understanding synonyms and antonyms is crucial for expanding your vocabulary and improving your ability to express yourself precisely. When you encounter a new word like "languid", try to learn its synonyms and antonyms. This helps you understand the range of meanings and how the word contrasts with others.
- More Synonyms for Languid: Lethargic, listless, inert, passive.
- More Antonyms for Languid: Active, lively, dynamic, vigorous, spirited.
By exploring related words, you build a stronger grasp of the English language.
Important Questions from Miscellaneous
A stone is thrown horizontally from the top of a 20 m high building with a speed of 12 m/s. It hits the ground at a distance R from the building. Taking g = 10 m/s2 and neglecting air resistance will give :
A mass is attached to a spring that hangs vertically. The extension produced in the spring is 6 cm on Earth. The acceleration due to gravity on the surface of the Moon is one-sixth of its value on the surface of the Earth. The extension of the spring on the Moon would be:
Directions: Each 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 your Answer Sheet accordingly.
The deluge affected the population.The major source of vitamins and minerals for vegetarians is
Which of the following statements about the Deccan Riots Commission is/are correct?
1. The Commission did not hold enquiries in the districts which were not affected.
2. The Commission did record the statements of ryots, sahukars and eye-witnesses.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
