Question

Choose the word that is opposite in meaning to the given word:
Admonish
a. Reprimand
b. Chide
c. Scold
d. Praise

Answer 1

Hint: In this case, we must find a word whose meaning is completely different than that of ‘admonish’.

Complete answer:

Words that are opposite in meaning to each other are also known as antonyms. Anything that is opposite differs in its meaning completely from the given word. If the word is benevolent, its opposite would be a word that means having a tendency to do evil to others i.e., malevolent. Similarly, if the word is exterior, its opposite would be a word that means the inner part of a given thing i.e. interior.
In the given question, the word is ‘admonish’. Admonish is a verb that is derived from the Latin word ‘admonere’. Admonish means to warn someone firmly. Now, that we know what the word means, we must find a word whose meaning is the opposite of ‘admonish’. Logically, this means that we have to find a word whose meaning is to approve of a person’s accomplishment. Out of all the given options, the word praise, which means to express the warm approval of someone, is the correct match of this opposite meaning. Hence, option ‘d’ is the correct answer.

Note: Let us consider the problematic areas of this question. To select the accurate answer, it is important that students know the meanings of words listed in their lessons. Students should also know those words which are similar in meaning and which are contrary in meaning to the words listed in their lessons.