Question

Select the most appropriate antonym of the given word:
Lengthen
 a) Haste
b) Curtail
c) Amplify
d) Few

Answer 1

Hint: Antonyms are those words that express meaning as opposed to the meaning of another word, in which case the two words are antonyms of each other.
In the given question, the word ‘lengthen’ refers to make longer; become long or longer.

Complete answer:
Let us analyze the options given to us in this question-
Option (a.), 'haste', refers to ‘overly eager speed (and possible carelessness).’ Therefore, option (a.) is incorrect as its meaning is not antonymous to that of the given word ‘lengthen’.
Option (b.), ‘curtail', refers to ‘place restrictions on; shorten.’ Therefore, option (b.) is correct as its meaning is antonymous to that of the given word ‘lengthen’.
Option (c.), ‘amplify', refers to ‘increase in size, volume or significance.’ Therefore, option (c.) is incorrect as its meaning is not antonymous to that of the given word ‘lengthen’.
Option (d.), ‘few', refers to a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by `a'; a small but indefinite number. Therefore, option (d.) is incorrect as its meaning is not antonymous to that of the given word ‘lengthen’.

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 antonym to the meaning of the word in the question.