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Question

Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word.

Contrary

The correct answer is

Opposite

Finding the Synonym for Contrary

The question asks us to select the most appropriate synonym for the word "Contrary". A synonym is a word or phrase that means exactly or nearly the same as another word or phrase in the same language.

Understanding the Word Contrary

The word "Contrary" means:

  • Opposed in nature, direction, or meaning.
  • Stubbornly doing the opposite of what is expected or advised.

In the context of finding a synonym among the given options, we are likely looking for the meaning related to being opposed or different.

Analyzing the Options

Let's look at each option:

  1. Wobbly: This word describes something that is unstable or tends to wobble. It is not related to opposition or difference.
  2. Crooked: This word means bent or twisted out of shape or line. It is not related to opposition or difference.
  3. Straight: This word means not curving or bending; in a straight line. It can also mean honest or direct. In the context of direction or meaning, it is often the opposite of something complex or indirect, but not a general synonym for "contrary".
  4. Opposite: This word means located on the other side; opposed to or different from something else. This meaning directly aligns with the primary definition of "contrary". For example, walking in contrary directions means walking in opposite directions. Contrary opinions are opinions that are opposite to each other.

Identifying the Most Appropriate Synonym

Comparing the meanings, the word "Opposite" is the closest in meaning to "Contrary", especially when "Contrary" is used to describe things that are opposed or different from each other.

Conclusion

Based on the analysis of the word "Contrary" and the given options, the most appropriate synonym is "Opposite".

Synonym Analysis of Contrary
Word Meaning Relevant to "Contrary" Is it a Synonym?
Wobbly Unstable; tending to wobble. No
Crooked Bent or twisted out of shape or line. No
Straight Not curving or bending; in a straight line. Often the antonym. No
Opposite Opposed to or different from something else. Yes

Revision Table: Understanding Contrary and Synonyms

Key Vocabulary
Word Meaning Relation to "Contrary"
Contrary Opposed in nature, direction, or meaning; stubbornly doing the opposite. The word in question.
Synonym A word or phrase meaning the same or nearly the same as another. What we are looking for.
Opposite Opposed to or different from something else. The most appropriate synonym found.
Antonym A word opposite in meaning to another. Related concept, but not what we are looking for here.

Additional Information: More on Contrary and Opposites

The word "Contrary" can also describe a person who is difficult, stubborn, or willfully disobedient, often doing the opposite of what is asked just to be difficult. In this sense, words like "perverse," "stubborn," or "wilful" could be related, but the option "Opposite" focuses on the core meaning of being opposed or different.

Understanding synonyms and antonyms is crucial for building vocabulary and improving comprehension. While "Opposite" is a synonym for "Contrary" in many contexts, "Straight" is often considered an antonym for concepts related to "crooked" or "winding," but not directly for "contrary."

When solving synonym questions, it's important to consider the different possible meanings of the target word and choose the option that matches the most common or appropriate meaning in a general context, or based on how the options fit.

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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 sphere of volume V is made of a material with lower density than water. While on Earth, it floats on water with its volume f1V (f1 < 1) submerged. On the other hand, on a spaceship accelerating with acceleration a < g (g is the acceleration due to gravity on Earth) in outer space, its submerged volume in water is f2V. Then:

  3. A railway wagon (open at the top) of mass M1 is moving with speed v1 along a straight track. As a result of rain, after some time it gets partially filled with water so that the mass of the wagon becomes M2 and speed becomes v2. Taking the rain to be falling vertically and the water stationery inside the wagon, the relation between the two speeds v1 and v2 is :

  4. Consider the following statements:

    1. Distance between the longitudes becomes zero on North Pole and South Pole.

    2. Distance between the longitudes is maximum on the Equator.

    3. Number of longitudes is more than number of latitudes.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  5. One block of 2⋅0 kg mass is placed on top of another block of 3⋅0 kg mass. The coefficient of static friction between the two blocks is 0⋅2. The bottom block is pulled with a horizontal force F such that both the blocks move together without slipping. Taking acceleration due to gravity as 10 m/s2, the maximum value of the frictional force is :

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