Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word. CONTAMINATE
pollute
Understanding the Word CONTAMINATE
The question asks us to find the most appropriate synonym for the word CONTAMINATE.
The word CONTAMINATE means to make something impure, polluted, or unclean, especially by mixing it with something harmful or unwanted.
Let's look at the given options and their meanings:
Analyzing the Options
- purify: This word means to make something pure or clean. This is the opposite of making something impure.
- cleanse: This word means to make something clean or pure. This is also the opposite of making something dirty or impure.
- sanctify: This word means to make something holy or sacred. This is not related to making something impure or dirty.
- pollute: This word means to make land, water, air, etc., dirty and not safe or suitable to use, or to spoil a place or substance with poisonous or dirty substances. This meaning is very close to contaminating something.
Finding the Synonym for CONTAMINATE
Comparing the meanings, we can see that 'pollute' has a meaning that is most similar to 'contaminate'. Both words involve making something impure, dirty, or unsafe, often by introducing harmful substances.
Step-by-Step Synonym Identification
- Understand the meaning of the target word: CONTAMINATE means to make impure or dirty.
- Examine each option:
- purify: make clean (opposite)
- cleanse: make clean (opposite)
- sanctify: make holy (unrelated)
- pollute: make dirty or impure (similar)
- Identify the option with the closest meaning: Pollute is the closest in meaning to contaminate.
Conclusion
Based on the analysis of the meanings, the most appropriate synonym for CONTAMINATE is pollute.
| Word | Meaning | Relationship to CONTAMINATE |
|---|---|---|
| CONTAMINATE | To make impure or dirty | Target word |
| purify | To make pure or clean | Antonym |
| cleanse | To make clean or pure | Antonym |
| sanctify | To make holy | Unrelated |
| pollute | To make dirty or impure | Synonym |
Revision Table: Vocabulary Focus
| Word | Type | Example Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Contaminate | Verb | Do not contaminate the water supply. |
| Purify | Verb | Filters are used to purify water. |
| Cleanse | Verb | Use soap to cleanse your hands. |
| Sanctify | Verb | The priest will sanctify the ground. |
| Pollute | Verb | Factories can pollute the air. |
Additional Information: Understanding Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms are words that have similar meanings. Antonyms are words that have opposite meanings. When you are asked to find a synonym, you are looking for a word that can replace the original word in a sentence while keeping a similar meaning.
For example:
- Synonym of happy: joyful, glad
- Antonym of happy: sad, unhappy
In this question, 'pollute' is a synonym of 'contaminate', while 'purify' and 'cleanse' are antonyms.
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.
