Question

Choose the word that gives the antonym of the word italicized.
I know you would have to prolong your tour, but still, I advise you to complete this job.

a) Obstruct
b) Curtail
c) Hinder
d) Restrain

Answer 1

Hint: The meaning of the word ‘Prolong’ is the extension of the duration of something.
Example - I have to prolong the plan of watching the movie because I have an emergency to attend to.

Complete answer:

Option a ‘Obstruct’ is a verb which means to block or be in the way of something. The meaning of this word does not match the meaning of the antonym of the given word. So, this option is incorrect.
Option b ‘Curtail’ means to reduce the quantity or extent of something. The word exactly matches the antonym of the word which should mean to cut off or curtail something. This option also suits the opposite of the word in the given sentence.So, the correct answer is “Option b”.
Option c ‘Hinder’ means to make something difficult for someone. The word does not relate to either the meaning of the given word or its antonym. Thus, it is an incorrect option.
Option d ‘Restrain’ means to prevent from doing something or to keep something in limits. The word does not communicate well with the meaning of the antonym of the word ‘Prolong’ and thus is the incorrect option.

Note: The word restrain and curtail can be mixed but restrain means to limit something but curtail means to cut off or decrease the duration of something.