Select the most appropriate antonym to substitute the bracketed word in the given sentence. Any book on any subject risks irrelevance or smallness compared to this (behemoth).
Midget
Understanding Antonyms and the Word 'Behemoth'
The question asks us to find the most appropriate antonym for the word "behemoth" in the given sentence. An antonym is a word that means the opposite of another word. The sentence describes a book as a "behemoth," implying it is very large or significant compared to others.
Defining 'Behemoth'
The word "behemoth" typically refers to something enormous, massive, or powerful. It can be a large animal, a large organization, or simply something of immense size or scale. In the context of a book, it suggests a very large or comprehensive volume.
Analyzing the Options
Let's look at the provided options and their meanings:
- Monster: Usually refers to a large, frightening creature. It implies something large, and in some contexts, could be used metaphorically for something huge.
- Colossus: Refers to a statue of gigantic size or a person or thing of immense stature or importance. It strongly suggests large size.
- Dreadnought: Originally a type of large, heavily armed battleship. It signifies something large, powerful, and formidable.
- Midget: Refers to a person who is abnormally small. It directly implies small size.
Comparing Options to 'Behemoth'
We need to find the word that means the opposite of "behemoth" (something very large).
- Monster: Similar in meaning to 'behemoth' in terms of large size, possibly a synonym or related concept depending on usage.
- Colossus: A strong synonym for 'behemoth', referring to something of immense size.
- Dreadnought: Implies large size and power, aligning more with the concept of 'behemoth'.
- Midget: Directly refers to something very small, which is the opposite of very large.
Therefore, "Midget" is the most appropriate antonym for "behemoth".
Detailed Comparison Table
| Word | Meaning | Relationship to 'Behemoth' (Large/Huge) |
|---|---|---|
| Behemoth | Something enormous or massive | Base word |
| Monster | Large, often frightening creature/thing | Synonym/Similar concept (Large) |
| Colossus | Gigantic statue/person/thing | Synonym (Immense size) |
| Dreadnought | Large battleship (metaphorically, something massive) | Similar concept (Large/Powerful) |
| Midget | A very small person | Antonym (Very small) |
Based on the meanings, 'Midget' is the clearest opposite in terms of size compared to 'Behemoth'.
Conclusion
The word that is the most appropriate antonym for "behemoth" is "Midget".
Revision Table: Key Vocabulary
| Word | Type | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Behemoth | Noun | A thing of monstrous size, power, or appearance. |
| Antonym | Noun | A word opposite in meaning to another word. |
| Synonym | Noun | A word or phrase that means exactly or nearly the same as another word or phrase in the same language. |
Additional Information: Exploring Antonyms
Understanding antonyms is a key part of building vocabulary. Antonyms help us express contrast and nuance in language. Words can sometimes have multiple antonyms depending on the specific sense or context in which they are used. For example, the antonym of "hot" could be "cold," "cool," or "lukewarm," depending on the degree of opposite temperature needed.
In this question, "behemoth" primarily relates to immense size. Therefore, its antonym should relate to very small size, making "midget" the fitting choice among the options.
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.
