Question

Choose the antonym of the word given below:
Spread
a. Prepare
b. Diffusion
c. Collect
d. Increase

Answer 1

Hint: Antonyms are words that mean the opposite of another word. The given term ‘spread’ indicates the growth or extension of something.

Complete step by step answer:
‘Spread’ is the term that is used as both a verb and noun. It means to layout, grow, or increase something over a larger and wider area.
An antonym means an opposite word that has an entirely different meaning of another word. As ‘spread’ indicates the wide growth and extension, its opposite should refer to a restricted movement or its accumulation.

> In option a we are given ‘prepare.’ It is the wrong option as ‘prepare’ means to make something ready for use. As it has no relation with ‘spread’, we rule out this option.

> Diffusion in option b is also wrong because it refers to the spreading of something more widely and quickly. This sounds quite synonymous to ‘spread’ and hence wrong.

> Collect in option c is the right answer. Collect means to gather or bring things together. It means the opposite of ‘spread’. Collection is its noun form.

> Option d is also incorrect. Increase in option d is used as both verb and noun to indicate a rise in size, amount or degree of something and therefore becomes the wrong option.

Note: The growth of something indicated using ‘spread’ also refers to the wide spread of communicable diseases. Example: Coronavirus has spread all across the world.