Understanding Antonyms for Extravagant

The question asks us to find the most appropriate antonym for the italicised word 'extravagant' in the sentence: "His extravagant pretensions only served to excite ridicule."

An antonym is a word that means the opposite of another word.

Analyzing the Meaning of Extravagant Pretensions

In this context, 'extravagant pretensions' refers to claims or displays that are excessive, over-the-top, or unreasonably elaborate. The word 'extravagant' here suggests something beyond what is normal, necessary, or appropriate, often implying a lack of restraint or good sense, and potentially involving excessive spending or display.

Evaluating the Options for Antonym

Let's look at the given options and see which one is the opposite of 'extravagant' in this sense:

• lavish: This word means sumptuously rich, elaborate, or luxurious. It is very similar in meaning to 'extravagant', particularly when referring to spending or display. It is a synonym, not an antonym.
• costly: This means expensive. While something extravagant is often costly, 'costly' itself only focuses on the price, not the excessiveness or lack of restraint implied by 'extravagant'. It is related but not a direct antonym.
• fanciful: This means imaginative, whimsical, or not based on fact or reason. While extravagant pretensions might be fanciful, 'fanciful' is not the opposite of 'extravagant' in terms of being excessive or restrained.
• economical: This word means avoiding waste, especially of money or materials. It implies being thrifty, careful, or efficient. It is the opposite of being excessive, wasteful, or overly elaborate, which fits perfectly as an antonym for 'extravagant' in the context of pretensions or claims that are excessive.

Identifying the Correct Antonym

Based on the analysis, 'economical' is the word that is most opposite in meaning to 'extravagant' when describing pretensions that are excessive or over-the-top. While 'economical' often relates to saving money, its core meaning of avoiding waste and being efficient or restrained makes it the best fit as the antonym for 'extravagant' which implies excess and lack of restraint.

Therefore, the most appropriate antonym for 'extravagant' in the given sentence is 'economical'.

Revision Table: Key Vocabulary

Additional Information on Antonyms and Vocabulary

Understanding antonyms is crucial for building a strong vocabulary and improving reading comprehension. Antonyms help clarify the meaning of words by showing contrast. When looking for an antonym, always consider the context in which the word is used, as words can have multiple meanings and their opposites might change depending on the specific sense being used.

• Types of Antonyms:
  • Gradable Antonyms: Words that can be measured on a scale (e.g., hot - cold, happy - sad). There are degrees between them.
  • Complementary Antonyms: Words that are direct opposites and represent mutually exclusive states (e.g., alive - dead, true - false).
  • Relational Antonyms: Words that describe a relationship from opposite perspectives (e.g., buy - sell, teacher - student).
• Context is Key: Always analyze the sentence to understand the specific meaning of the word for which you are seeking an antonym.