Question

Choose the word opposite in meaning to the given word-
FECUND
a- Barren
b- Solid
c- Unploughed
d- Hard

Answer 1

Hint: An opposite or an antonym refers to a word that is contrary in meaning to another word. For example, fat is an antonym of thin. ‘Fecund’ refers to the quality of being fertile or high-yielding.

Complete answer:
The word, ‘fecund’ has been derived from the French word- Fecond.
We know the meaning and the origin of the word, ‘fecund’. Now, let’s look at its usage-
For example- My mother admires her vibrant and fecund garden. Here, we can understand that X’s mother admires her colorful and fruitful garden.
Let’s examine the meaning of the given options-
Option a- ‘Barren’ refers to the quality of being infertile or unproductive. Example- We were unable to grow crops on the barren land. ‘Barren’ is opposite in meaning to ‘fecund’. Hence, it is the correct option.
Option b- ‘Solid’ refers to the quality of being hard and rigid. Example- We visited the stream but it was frozen solid. ‘Solid’ is different in meaning from ‘fecund’. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Option c- ‘Unploughed’ refers to a piece of land that has not been plowed. ‘Unploughed’ is different in meaning from ‘fecund’. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Option d- ‘Hard’ refers to the quality of being firm and rigid. Example- Her bed is so hard. ‘Hard’ is different in meaning from ‘fecund’. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
The correct answer is Option ‘a’.

Note:
 Some other antonyms of ‘fecund’ are; infertile, sterile, unfruitful, etc. While some synonyms of ‘fecund’ are; fertile, fruitful, prolific, etc.