Question

Let us not aggravate the sufferings of the poor.
Choose the word/phrase which is opposite in meaning to the italicized bold word/phrase in the sentence.
A) abbreviate
B) alleviate
C) advocate
D) appreciate

Answer 1

Hint: An antonym is a term that has the exact opposite meaning as another word. For example, the antonym of 'old' may be 'fresh.' The words 'anti' and 'onym,' which mean 'against' and 'opposite,' respectively, are combined to form the phrase 'antonym.' Synonyms and antonyms are two terms that are diametrically opposite. Synonyms are words that are similar to antonyms but are not identical.

Complete answer:
An antonym is a term that has the exact opposite meaning as another word. It's a noun, and the best way to define it is as a phrase with the opposite connotation. Antonyms are word pairs with polar opposite meanings on a scale of one to ten (young, old). Word pairs with opposing meanings that do not fall on a continuous continuum are known as complementary antonyms (push, pull).

Making a situation worse or more serious is what the term 'aggravate' means.

Let's have a look at some of the options:
A) abbreviate: This option is incorrect because it is not an antonym for ‘aggravate’. It implies reducing or decrease the duration of something.
B) alleviate: This is the correct answer. The term "alleviate" refers to reducing the severity of a problem or pain. As a result, the term 'alleviate' is the polar opposite of the verb 'aggravate.'
C) advocate: This option is incorrect because it is not an antonym for ‘aggravate’. The term "advocate" refers to someone who openly supports or recommends a cause or policy.
D) appreciate: This option is incorrect because it is not an antonym for ‘aggravate’. The term "appreciate" refers to appreciating something's full value.

Thus, the correct answer is Option B) alleviate.

Note: An antonym is a word with more than one meaning. Three sorts of antonyms are distinguished by the substance of the link between the opposing meanings. They are complementary antonyms since the sentences do not form a continuous continuum and the words have no other lexical connection. When two meanings are opposed solely in the sense of their relationship, they are called relational antonyms.