Question

Choose the word that is opposite in meaning to the given word.
CONSOLIDATE
 a) Isolate
 b) Weaken
 c) Divide
 d) Identify

Answer 1

Hint: Antonyms are those words that have contrasting or opposite meanings to the given word.

Complete step-by-step answer:
In the given question, the word ‘consolidate’ refers to make firm or secure; strengthen.
Let us analyze the options given to us in this question:
Option (a.), 'isolate', refers to set apart from others.
Therefore, option (a.) is incorrect as its meaning is not antonymous to that of the given word ‘consolidate’.

Option (b.), ‘weaken', refers to lessen the strength of.
Therefore, option (b.) is correct as its meaning is antonymous to that of the given word ‘consolidate’.

Option (c.), ‘divide', refers to separating into parts or portions.
Therefore, option (c.) is incorrect as its meaning is not antonymous to that of the given word ‘consolidate’.

Option (d.), ‘identify', refers to recognize as being; establish the identity of someone or something.
Therefore, option (d.) is incorrect as its meaning is not antonymous to that of the given word ‘consolidate’.

Note: Sometimes the given options in a question where we have to find the opposite of the given word do not exactly mean the opposite of the given word. If this happens, we have to select the option which is the most anonymous to the meaning of the word in the question.