Question

Find the synonym of the underlined word.
Hazelnuts are extensively grown in most parts of the Black Sea region.
a- Widely
b- Hardly
c- Permanently
d- Increasingly

Answer 1

Hint: A synonym refers to a word that is exactly or partially the same in meaning as another word. For example- Subservient is a synonym for obedient. ‘Extensively’ refers to something that happens in a large area or extent.

Complete answer:
 The word ‘extensively’ has been derived from the Late Latin word- Extensivus.
We know the meaning and the origin of the word ‘extensively’. Now, let’s look at its usage:
For example- The forest was extensively watered to calm the fires. Here, we can comprehend that the forest was watered at a large extent to calm the fires.
Let’s decipher the meaning of the given options-
Option a- ‘Widely’ refers to something that happens to a large degree or extent. For example- This music number is widely popular among teenagers. ‘Widely’ is similar in meaning to the given context. Hence, it is the correct option.
Option b- ‘Hardly’ refers to something scarce or rare in degree or extent. For example- The new hotel is hardly different from their older one. ‘Hardly’ is different in meaning to the given context. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Option c- ‘Permanently’ refers to something that happens indelibly or forever. For example- They are permanently moving to Canada. ‘Permanently’ is different in meaning to the given context. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Option d- ‘Increasingly’ refers to something that happens more and more. For example- The government has been increasingly paying attention to its staff. ‘Increasingly’ is different in meaning to the given context. Hence, it is an incorrect option. The correct answer is Option ‘a’.

Note:
Some other synonyms of ‘extensively’ are; broadly, largely, greatly, etc while some antonyms of ‘extensively’ are; scarcely, rarely, insignificantly, etc.