Question

What is the antonym of the expression 'cutting edge'?
A) Conventional
B) Avant-Garde
C) Advanced
D) Contemporary

Answer 1

Hint: Antonym is the opposite of the given word for e.g. antonym of clever is foolish. Adjectives, adverbs, nouns, verbs and prepositions all have antonyms. The opposite word for an antonym is a synonym.

Complete answer:
The expression cutting edge is used as an adjective which means an advantage; something developed/advanced/new. In today’s world, it is mainly associated with technology. The more advanced technology a company/ business has the more advantage it will have in the market.

Let us understand the meaning of the given options-
A) Conventional- It is an adjective that implies behaviour that is of ordinary and traditional nature
B) Avant-Garde- It is an adjective that implies behaviour that advocates new ideas and experiments.
C) Advanced- It is an adjective that refers to something that is highly developed.
D) Contemporary-It is an adjective that refers to something that is modern and relates to the present day.

The correct answer is conventional. All the other options i.e. B, C and D options are synonymous with the phrase ‘ cutting edge’ and only option A is the opposite.

Therefore the correct answer is option ‘A’.

Note: There are three types of antonyms which are gradable, complementary and converse antonyms. The gradable antonyms are those that tell ‘ if you are more of this then, you are less of that’ for e.g hot and cold. The complementary antonyms are those that are absolute opposites and they tell’ either you are this or that’ e.g. dead and alive. The converse antonyms that are natural opposites e.g. girl- boy. Antonyms can also be made by adding prefixes such as un, dis, im etc. to the words for e.g. possible-impossible.