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Question

Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word.

RECEDE

The correct answer is

wane

Finding the Best Synonym for RECEDE

The question asks us to find the most appropriate synonym for the word "RECEDE". A synonym is a word that has the same or nearly the same meaning as another word. To find the best synonym, let's look at the meaning of "RECEDE" and then examine the meanings of the given options.

Understanding the Meaning of RECEDE

The word RECEDE generally means to move back or away from a previous position. It can also mean to diminish or lessen in quantity, degree, or intensity. Think about how floodwaters recede after a storm, or how a hairline might recede with age.

Analyzing the Options

Let's examine the meaning of each option provided:

  • waver: To sway to and fro; to become unsteady or unreliable; to feel or show doubt or hesitation.
  • increase: To become greater in size, amount, or degree.
  • wane: To decrease in vigor, power, or extent; to become weaker; (of the moon) to decrease in the extent of its illumination visible from Earth.
  • intensify: To become stronger or more extreme.

Comparing Meanings and Finding the Synonym for RECEDE

Now, let's compare the meaning of RECEDE with the meanings of the options:

  • RECEDE means to move back or diminish.
  • 'waver' is related to unsteadiness or hesitation, not necessarily moving back or diminishing.
  • 'increase' means to become greater, which is the opposite of diminishing or moving back.
  • 'wane' means to decrease in vigor, power, or extent; to become weaker. This aligns well with the idea of diminishing or lessening.
  • 'intensify' means to become stronger or more extreme, which is the opposite of diminishing.

Based on these comparisons, 'wane' is the word that most closely matches the meaning of RECEDE, particularly in the sense of diminishing or becoming less strong or less visible.

Examples to Illustrate RECEDE and WANE

  • The floodwaters began to recede from the streets. (moving back)
  • His enthusiasm for the project started to wane. (diminishing, becoming less)
  • The moon will wane after it is full. (decreasing in visible size/illumination)

Both words can describe something becoming less significant, less intense, or physically retreating/diminishing.

Comparison of RECEDE and Options
Word General Meaning Relation to RECEDE
RECEDE Move back, diminish, lessen Target word
waver Sway, become unsteady, hesitate Different meaning
increase Become greater Antonym
wane Decrease, diminish, become weaker Synonym (diminish sense)
intensify Become stronger/more extreme Antonym

Therefore, 'wane' is the most appropriate synonym for RECEDE among the given options because it shares the meaning of diminishing or becoming less strong/extensive.

Revision Table: Understanding Synonyms

Key Vocabulary for Synonyms
Term Definition Example
Synonym A word having the same or nearly the same meaning as another word. Happy and Joyful are synonyms.
Antonym A word opposite in meaning to another word. Hot and Cold are antonyms.
Context The circumstances that form the setting for an event, statement, or idea, and in terms of which it can be fully understood and assessed. Important for choosing the best synonym. The word 'bank' has different meanings in different contexts (river bank vs. money bank).

Additional Information on RECEDE and WANE

Understanding words like RECEDE and WANE helps improve vocabulary and comprehension. Both words describe a process of becoming less. While RECEDE often implies moving back or physical withdrawal (like a tide receding), it can also mean diminishing (like hope receding). WANE specifically focuses on decreasing in strength, size, or intensity. In the context of diminishing, they overlap significantly, making 'wane' a strong synonym for RECEDE.

Antonyms for RECEDE could include advance, approach, or increase. Antonyms for WANE could include wax (for the moon) or intensify, grow, increase.

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Important Questions from Synonyms or Antonyms

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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. 

  4. 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.

  5. 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.  

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