The given sentence has an underlined word followed by four words. Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word. Religious fundamentalists often consider the followers of other religions to beheretics.
believer
Understanding the Opposite of Heretic
The question asks us to find the word that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word "heretics" in the given sentence: "Religious fundamentalists often consider the followers of other religions to be heretics."
Let's first understand what the word "heretic" means in this context.
Defining Heretic and Finding the Antonym
A heretic is a person who holds beliefs or opinions contrary to the established doctrines of a religion or church. In simpler terms, a heretic is someone whose religious views are considered wrong or different by a particular religious group.
We need to find a word among the options that describes someone who does not hold beliefs contrary to the established doctrine, but rather accepts and follows them. This means we are looking for an antonym (opposite) of heretic.
Analyzing the Options
Let's look at the provided options:
- dissenter
- believer
- renegade
- apostate
Now, let's define each of these terms to see which one is the opposite of "heretic":
- Dissenter: A person who expresses opinions or beliefs that are different from those of an official or established group, especially a religious one. A dissenter challenges established views, much like a heretic.
- Believer: A person who believes in the truth or existence of something, especially one who has religious faith. A believer accepts and adheres to the doctrines of their faith.
- Renegade: A person who deserts and betrays an organization, country, or set of principles. This implies abandonment rather than just holding different beliefs, but is still related to deviation from an established group or idea.
- Apostate: A person who renounces or abandons a religious or political belief or principle. This term is very close in meaning to heretic and implies a turning away from faith.
Comparing the definitions, "dissenter," "renegade," and "apostate" all describe people who, in various ways, move away from or challenge established beliefs or groups. These words are similar to "heretic."
On the other hand, a believer is someone who holds, accepts, and adheres to the established beliefs of their faith. This is the direct opposite of a heretic, who holds beliefs contrary to the established doctrine.
Conclusion
The word that is opposite in meaning to "heretic" is "believer." While a heretic holds beliefs contrary to established doctrine, a believer holds and accepts the established doctrine.
Therefore, the correct option is the one that states "believer".
Revision Table: Understanding Key Terms
| Term | Meaning | Relationship to "Heretic" |
|---|---|---|
| Heretic | Person holding beliefs contrary to established doctrine | The core term |
| Dissenter | Person differing from established opinion/group | Similar (deviates from norm) |
| Believer | Person accepting established beliefs/faith | Opposite (adheres to norm) |
| Renegade | Deserter of group/principles | Similar (abandons group/ideas) |
| Apostate | Person renouncing religious/political belief | Similar (abandons established belief) |
Additional Information on Vocabulary and Antonyms
Understanding synonyms and antonyms is a key part of building strong vocabulary. Antonyms are words that have opposite meanings. For example, the antonym of 'hot' is 'cold'.
Sometimes, finding the exact opposite depends on the specific context. In the context of religious beliefs, someone who goes against the main doctrine (a heretic) is opposed by someone who follows and accepts the main doctrine (a believer).
Learning related words like dissenter, renegade, and apostate helps clarify the nuances between similar concepts and reinforces why "believer" is the most appropriate antonym for "heretic" in this specific case.
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.
