Question

Choose the word opposite in meaning to the given word.
EXODUS
a. restoration
b. return
c. home-coming
d. influx

Answer 1

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

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 refuse, its opposite would be a word that shows a willingness to receive i.e., accept. Similarly, if the word is colorful, its opposite would be a word that implies the absence of color i.e. colorless.
In the given question, the word is ‘exodus’. An exodus refers to a mass departure of people. It is derived from the Greek word exodos which means ‘the way out’. Now, that we know what the word means, we must find a word whose meaning is the opposite of ‘exodus’. Logically, this means that we have to find a word whose meaning refers to the mass entry of people into a new place. Out of all the given options, the word influx, which means the arrival of large numbers of people, is the correct match of this opposite meaning. Hence, option ‘d’ is the correct answer.

Note: Let us consider the problematic areas of this question. You may think that as exodus means to depart, options like home-coming and return (which have an element of going back), maybe the correct answer. However, this is only meant to confuse you. The correct antonym of departure is arrival, which is best represented by the influx.