Question

Choose the word opposite in meaning to the given word.
ANCESTORS

a) Supporters
b) Disciples
c) Followers
d) Descendants

Answer 1

Hint: The word ‘ancestors’ refers to ‘a person, typically one more remote than a grandparent, from whom one is descended'. This word is usually used as a noun.

Complete answer:
The word ‘ancestors’ like many English words, has been derived from Latin. It comes from the Latin words ‘ante’ meaning ‘before’ and ‘cedere’ meaning ‘go’. The word then evolved into the Latin words ‘antecedere’ and ‘antecessor’. Then, it entered Old French and became ‘ancestre’, which was then borrowed into Middle English and became ‘ancestor’.

Now, we know the meaning and the origin of the word ‘ancestors’. Let’s look at our given options:

a) supporters - The word ‘supporters’ refers to ‘a person who approves of and encourages a public figure, political party, policy, etc'. This word has a very different meaning to the given word. It is not the antonym of the given word. It is not the required answer. So, this is an incorrect option.
b) disciples - The word ‘disciples’ refers to ‘a follower or pupil of a teacher, leader, or philosopher'. This word has a completely different meaning to the given word. It is not the antonym of the given word. It is not the required answer. So, this is an incorrect option.
c) followers - The word ‘followers’ refers to ‘a person who supports and admires a particular person or set of ideas’. This word also has a different meaning to the given word. It is not the antonym of the given word. It is not the required answer. So, this is an incorrect option.
d) descendants - The word ‘descendants’ refers to ‘a person, plant, or animal that is descended from a particular ancestor’. This word has the exact opposite meaning to the given word. It is the antonym of the given word. It is the required answer. So, this is the correct option.

Note:
Try to understand the meaning of the given word by using it in a sentence. Then, understand the meanings of the words given in the options. Then, choose the option that has the exact opposite meaning of the given word.