Select the most appropriate synonym to replace the italicised word. Colossal granite obelisks were erected by only a few kings.
Understanding the Question: Finding Synonyms
The question asks us to identify the most appropriate synonym for the italicised word, which is "Colossal", in the sentence "Colossal granite obelisks were erected by only a few kings." A synonym is a word or phrase that means exactly or nearly the same as another word or phrase in the same language.
We need to understand the meaning of "Colossal" and then compare it with the meanings of the given options to find the word that is closest in meaning.
Meaning of Colossal
The word "Colossal" is an adjective used to describe something that is extremely large or immense. For example, a colossal statue is a very, very big statue.
Analyzing the Options for Synonym of Colossal
Let's look at the meaning of each option provided:
- Gigantic: This word means of very great size or extent; huge or enormous. It is used to describe things that are significantly larger than normal.
- Lilliputian: This word refers to things that are trivial or very small. It comes from the fictional land of Lilliput where inhabitants are tiny.
- Minute: As an adjective describing size, "minute" means extremely small.
- Minuscule: This word also means extremely small; tiny.
Comparing Meanings and Identifying the Synonym
We are looking for a word that means extremely large, similar to "Colossal".
- "Gigantic" means very large, huge, or enormous. This aligns well with the meaning of "Colossal".
- "Lilliputian" means very small or trivial. This is the opposite of "Colossal".
- "Minute" means extremely small. This is the opposite of "Colossal".
- "Minuscule" means extremely small or tiny. This is the opposite of "Colossal".
Based on the comparison, "Gigantic" is the word that is closest in meaning to "Colossal".
The Most Appropriate Synonym
Comparing the meanings, "Gigantic" is the most appropriate synonym for "Colossal". The other options describe things that are very small, which is the opposite of colossal.
Revision Table: Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning | Relationship to 'Colossal' |
|---|---|---|
| Colossal | Extremely large; immense. | The target word. |
| Gigantic | Very great size; huge; enormous. | Synonym. |
| Lilliputian | Trivial; very small. | Antonym. |
| Minute | Extremely small. | Antonym. |
| Minuscule | Extremely small; tiny. | Antonym. |
Additional Information on Size Vocabulary
English has many words to describe size, each with slightly different connotations or degrees of intensity. Understanding these nuances helps in choosing the most appropriate word in context.
- Words for large size: large, big, huge, enormous, immense, gigantic, colossal, massive, vast.
- Words for small size: small, little, tiny, minute, minuscule, diminutive, petite, microscopic, Lilliputian.
- The words "colossal" and "gigantic" are often used interchangeably to emphasize a very great size, often impressively large or overwhelming in scale.
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