Question

Choose the word opposite in meaning to the given word.
KNOWLEDGE
a)Ignorance
b)Illiteracy
c)Foolishness
d)Backwardness

Answer 1

Hint: The word ‘knowledge’ means to know or be enlightened about something.

Complete step by step answer:
The term ‘knowledge’ means ‘to know’. So, the opposite should be a word which means not knowing or lack of knowledge. The term ‘ignorance’ means lack of information or knowledge about someone or something. Hence, option a is the correct option.

The word ‘illiteracy’ means the inability of a person to read and write in any language. It also means lack of knowledge but only of a particular skill. Its ideal antonym is ‘literacy’. Therefore, option b is an incorrect option.

The word ‘foolishness’ means stupidity or acting without any reasonable judgement. It does not have any connection with knowing or not knowing information. Its ideal antonyms can be cleverness or wisdom. Therefore, option c is an incorrect option.

The word ‘backwardness’ is a situation where one is less advanced than the general trend of the society. It too does not have any connection with the word ‘knowledge’. Its ideal antonym is ‘forwardness’. Therefore, option d is also an incorrect option.

Note: Since all the words have an almost similar meaning, it must be checked which word has the closest meaning to opposite of knowledge. One should not especially confuse between ‘ignorance’ and ‘illiteracy’.