Question

Choose the word that gives the antonym of the word italicized
Unlike in Bihar Board, English is an optional subject in U.P. Board,
a)Elementary
b)Compulsory
c)Voluntary
d)Necessary

Answer 1

Hint: The word antonym means the opposite in meaning to the given word.

Complete step-by-step answer:

Optional means something that is available for choice or is not obligatory. Opposite of optional should mean something that’s obligatory.
Option a ‘Elementary’ means something that is straightforward or uncomplicated. The word has no relation with the opposite meaning of optional and hence is the incorrect option.
Option b ‘Compulsory’ means something that is an obligation or is obligatory to do. This is the exact opposite of the given word. So, option b is the correct option.
Option c ‘Voluntary’ means something that is to be done but is available for one’s choice. It is like a synonym of the given word ‘Optional’. So, option c is also incorrect as it has similarity in the meaning with the given term and the question demands the opposite.
Option d ‘Necessary’ also means compulsory or something that is needed to be done. Here, the role of the meaning of the sentence comes into play. In the sentence, the word ‘optional’ means of your own choice and so the opposite should be strictly mean compulsory. Necessary also means compulsory but lacks the depth and the impact that is required for the sentence.

Note: Examinations have patterns – optional and compulsory questions. Necessary means needed to be done while compulsory means something must be done and there lies the difference.