Select the most appropriate synonym of the underlined word in the given sentence. These figures have been greatly exaggerated.
magnified
Understanding the Question: Finding a Synonym for Exaggerated
The question asks us to find the word that has the most similar meaning, or is the most appropriate synonym, for the underlined word "exaggerated" in the sentence: "These figures have been greatly exaggerated."
Let's first understand the meaning of the word "exaggerated".
What does Exaggerated Mean?
The word "exaggerated" comes from the verb "exaggerate". To exaggerate means to represent something as being larger, better, or worse than it actually is. It implies making something seem more significant or extreme than is true.
In the given sentence, "These figures have been greatly exaggerated," it means that the numbers or data ("figures") have been made to appear much larger or more significant than their true value.
Analyzing the Options for Synonym of Exaggerated
We need to look at the provided options and see which one best matches the meaning of "exaggerated".
- Option 1: understated
Understated means presented as being less important, striking, or attractive than in reality. This is the opposite of exaggerated; it's an antonym.
- Option 2: magnified
Magnified means made to look larger than it is, especially by a lens or microscope. It also means to make something seem more important or significant than it is. This meaning is very close to exaggerating, particularly in the context of "figures" (numbers), where they are made to appear larger.
- Option 3: belittled
Belittled means made to seem unimportant. This is the opposite of making figures seem larger or more significant; it's an antonym or unrelated in this context.
- Option 4: ignore
Ignore means to refuse to take notice of or acknowledge something. This word is unrelated to the concept of altering the appearance or representation of figures.
Comparing Options with Exaggerated
Let's compare how each option relates to "exaggerated" in the context of the sentence "These figures have been greatly exaggerated."
| Word | Meaning | Relation to Exaggerated Figures |
|---|---|---|
| Exaggerated | Made to seem larger/more significant than true. | Figures were made to seem much bigger. |
| Understated | Made to seem less significant than true. | Opposite: Figures were made to seem smaller. |
| Magnified | Made to look larger; made to seem more important. | Similar: Figures were made to seem much bigger/more important. |
| Belittled | Made to seem unimportant. | Opposite: Figures were made to seem less important. |
| Ignore | Refuse to notice. | Unrelated: Figures were not just unnoticed, but altered. |
From the comparison, "magnified" is the word that most closely matches the meaning of "exaggerated" in this sentence. When figures are magnified, they are made to appear larger, which is exactly what happens when figures are exaggerated.
Conclusion: The Most Appropriate Synonym
Based on the meanings of the words and their usage in the context of the sentence, the most appropriate synonym for "exaggerated" is "magnified".
Revision Table: Key Vocabulary
| Word | Definition | Synonym Example | Antonym Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exaggerated | Represented as larger, better, or worse than it is. | Magnified, Amplified, Overstated | Understated, Minimized |
| Understated | Presented as less important or striking than in reality. | Played down, Minimized | Exaggerated, Overstated |
| Magnified | Made to look or seem larger or more important. | Enlarged, Amplified, Exaggerated | Reduced, Belittled |
| Belittled | Made to seem unimportant or insignificant. | Disparaged, Minimized | Praised, Magnified |
| Ignore | Refuse to take notice of or acknowledge; disregard. | Disregard, Overlook | Notice, Acknowledge |
Additional Information: Understanding Synonyms and Antonyms
Understanding synonyms and antonyms is crucial for improving vocabulary and comprehension. A synonym is a word or phrase that means exactly or nearly the same as another word or phrase in the same language. For example, "happy" is a synonym of "joyful". An antonym is a word opposite in meaning to another. For instance, "hot" is an antonym of "cold". Many words can have multiple synonyms depending on the specific context in which they are used.
Important Questions from Reading Comprehension
Why, according to the writer can't people be motivated to use a resource prudently?
1. They feel that others may overuse the resource
2. It is possible to substitute the resource
3. Abundance of the resource availability
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
When do people use resources exhaustively?
The self-interest of people affects the use of renewable resources
People rooted in a locality
Which among the following is closest in meaning with the word 'deplete'?
