Question

Choose the option which means the opposite of the given word:
Quell
a. Praise
b. Recommend
c. Incite
d. Contract

Answer 1

Hint: Antonyms are opposite words. In this case, we must find a word whose meaning is completely different than that of ‘quell’.

Complete step-by-step answer:

As we have seen before, antonyms are also known as opposite words. Anything that is opposite differs in its meaning completely from the given word. If the word is bravery, its opposite would be a word that implies the absence of bravery i.e., cowardice. Similarly, if the word is happiness, its opposite would be a word that implies the absence of happiness i.e. sadness.
In the given question, the word is ‘quell’. Quell is a verb which means to put an end to. E.g. If a rebellion is quelled, it means that it has been subdued by the use of force. Now, that we know what the word means, we must find a word whose meaning is the opposite of ‘quell’. Logically, this means that we have to find a word whose meaning is to start something or to give rise to something. Out of all the given options, the word incite, which means to encourage or to stir up, is the correct match of this opposite meaning. Hence, option ‘c’ is the correct answer.

Note: Let us consider the problematic areas of this question. To arrive at the correct answer, you must first know the meaning of the word given in the question. Compare this meaning with the meanings of the given options. You can use a dictionary to find out the meanings of new words. The word that is contrary to meaning is the answer.