Question

Find the synonym of the underlined word.
Coffee consumption by Turkish coffee drinkers will be diminished to 1.06 cups per day by next year due to increasing prices.

A. Encouraged
B. Improved
C. Dropped
D. Hindered
E. Forbidden

Answer 1

Hint: The underlined word in the given sentence is, diminished. The word ‘diminished’ means to lower in value, to lessen, to decrease. Example: With time, his strength diminished. We will look for a word that is similar in meaning to the given word.

Complete answer:
Let us analyse each option individually to figure out the correct answer.

Encouraged : The word ‘encouraged’ means to motivate to do better, to push to take a step ahead (in terms of attaining something). Example: They encouraged their son to be a singer. This word doesn’t mean the same as the given word. Therefore, this is not the correct option.

Improved: The word ‘improved’ means to get better, to be more effective by working on one’s shortcomings. Example: He gradually improved his speaking skills. This word doesn’t mean the same as the given word. Therefore, this is not the correct option.

Dropped : The word ‘dropped’ means to fall, to lower down , to decrease. Example: The prices of automobiles dropped due to the new law enforced. This word means the same as the given word. Therefore, this is the correct option.

Hindered : The word ‘hindered’ means to get disturbed, delayed, hampered. To stop from doing something, to cause an obstacle. Example: The protests hindered the transportation of goods and services. This word doesn’t mean the same as the given word. Therefore, this is not the correct option.

Forbidden : The word ‘forbidden’ means not allowed or prohibited. Example: Outside Food is forbidden in the hospital premises. This word doesn’t mean the same as the given word. Therefore, this is not the correct option.

Hence, the correct answer is Option ‘C’.

Note:Some more synonyms of the word ‘diminished’ are decline, decrease, lessen. Example : The cases of this disease seem to be declining. Some antonyms of the same word are develop, enlarge , expand, grow. Example: The company expanded widely in the past decade.