Question

Against the given word, there are some alternatives, one of which is either similar in meaning (synonym) or opposite in meaning (antonym) to the word. Find out which of the given alternatives is either a synonym or an antonym of the word.
RUMINATE
a. Anticipate
b. Concentrate
c. Ponder
d. Abscond
e. Terminate

Answer 1

Hint: A synonym refers to a word that is similar in meaning to another word. An antonym refers to a word that is opposite in meaning to another word.

Complete answer:
Ruminate means to think deeply about something. The word ruminate is derived from the Latin root word ‘ruminari’.
Let’s look at its usage:
Example- The riveting speech that the actor delivered caused the little boy to ruminate over what he had said. Here, we can see that the actor’s speech caused the little boy to think deeply.

 Let’s examine the given options:
a. Anticipate –This means to regard something as probable. It isn’t similar in meaning to ruminate. Nor is it opposite in meaning to it. Therefore, it is an incorrect option.
b. Concentrate- This means to focus one’s attention on a particular thing. It isn’t similar in meaning to ruminate. Nor is it opposite in meaning to it. Therefore, it is an incorrect option.
c. Ponder- This means to think about something carefully. It is similar in meaning to ruminate. Hence, it is the correct option.
d. Abscond- This means to leave hurriedly or secretly. It isn’t similar in meaning to ruminate. Nor is it opposite in meaning to it. Therefore, it is an incorrect option.
e. Terminate - This means to bring to an end. It isn’t similar in meaning to ruminate. Nor is it opposite in meaning to it. Therefore, it is an incorrect option.

The correct answer is option ‘c’.

Note: Ponder means to think about something in-depth whereas concentrate means to pay attention to something in-depth.