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Question

Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word.

Prodigal

The correct answer is

Extravagant

Understanding the Word Prodigal

The question asks us to find the most appropriate synonym for the word 'Prodigal'. A synonym is a word that has the same or nearly the same meaning as another word.

Let's break down the meaning of 'Prodigal'. The word 'Prodigal' is typically used to describe someone who spends money or resources in a very free and wasteful way. It implies being reckless and excessively generous, often leading to depletion of resources.

Analyzing the Options for Prodigal Synonym

We are given four options:

  1. Economical
  2. Scrimping
  3. Extravagant
  4. Conserving

Let's look at the meaning of each option:

  • Economical: This means careful about spending money or using resources, avoiding waste. This is the opposite of 'Prodigal'.
  • Scrimping: This means to be extremely economical or stingy; saving money by spending very little. This is also the opposite of 'Prodigal'.
  • Extravagant: This means spending money or resources excessively; lacking restraint in spending. This meaning is very close to 'Prodigal'.
  • Conserving: This means protecting something from harm or waste; preserving resources. This is the opposite of spending wastefully.

Identifying the Synonym

Comparing the meanings, we can see that 'Extravagant' is the word that best matches the meaning of 'Prodigal'. Both words describe a tendency towards excessive and often wasteful spending.

Word Meanings Comparison
Word Meaning
Prodigal Wastefully extravagant; spending money or resources freely and recklessly.
Economical Careful about spending money or using resources.
Scrimping Extremely economical; spending very little.
Extravagant Lacking restraint in spending; costing a lot of money.
Conserving Protecting resources from waste or harm.

Based on this comparison, 'Extravagant' is the most appropriate synonym for 'Prodigal'.

Revision Table: Prodigal and Synonyms

Prodigal Vocabulary Study
Word Type Meaning Synonyms Antonyms
Prodigal Adjective/Noun Spending money/resources freely and recklessly; wastefully extravagant. Extravagant, wasteful, lavish, spendthrift Economical, thrifty, frugal, stingy

Additional Information on Vocabulary Building

Building vocabulary is crucial for understanding and using language effectively. Here are some tips:

  • Use Context: Try to understand the meaning of a new word from the sentence or paragraph it's in.
  • Learn Word Roots: Many English words share common roots from Latin or Greek. Understanding these roots can help you guess the meaning of new words.
  • Use Flashcards: Write the word on one side and the definition and a sentence on the other.
  • Read Widely: Reading books, articles, and various texts exposes you to new words in different contexts.
  • Use New Words: Actively try to use the words you learn in your speaking and writing.
  • Use a Thesaurus: A thesaurus helps you find synonyms and antonyms, expanding your options for expressing ideas.
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Important Questions from Miscellaneous

  1. 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 :

  2. 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:

  3. 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.
  4. The major source of vitamins and minerals for vegetarians is

  5. 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:

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