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.
LETHARGY
A) Listlessness
B) Serenity
C) Laxity
D) Impassivity

Answer 1

Hint: Synonym are the words that have similar meaning and antonyms are the words that are opposite in meaning. For example: cold – hot (antonym of each other) and funny – joyful (synonyms of each other).

Complete step by step answer:
In this question, we have to identify the synonym or the antonym of the word lethargy out of the options given in the question. The meaning of lethargy is ‘lack of energy or enthusiasm’.
Option A) Listlessness – is the correct answer because the meaning of listlessness is ‘showing no interest in anything’ and this is the synonym of the word lethargy because they have the same meaning. Thus, they can be used in place of each other because they have similar meaning. Thus, this is the correct answer.
Option B) Serenity – is an incorrect answer because the meaning of serenity is ‘the state of being calm, peaceful and untroubled’ and this is not the antonym or synonym of the word lethargy. Thus, this is an incorrect answer.
Option C) Laxity – is an incorrect answer because the meaning of laxity is ‘lack of strictness or lack of care’ and this is not the antonym or synonym of the word lethargy. Thus, this is an incorrect answer.
Option D) Impassivity – is an incorrect answer because the meaning of impassivity is ‘the quality of not expressing emotion or of not reacting to a situation’ and this is not the antonym or synonym of the word lethargy. Thus, this is an incorrect answer.

So, the correct answer is “Option A”.

Note:
The words ‘lethargy’ and ‘listlessness’ have similar meaning. And the antonym of lethargy is vigour or energy. The word lethargy should not be confused with laxity as the meaning of lethargy is lack of energy and meaning of laxity is lack of strictness. However, they are not antonyms or synonyms of each other. Thus, there is no synonym among the given options.