Question

Select the most appropriate antonym of the given word.
Mitigate
(a) Stagnate
(b) Aggravate
(c) Suffer
(d) Instigate

Answer 1

Hint: We need to find the antonym of the word mitigate. Read the question and try to understand the meaning of the given word. Now go through the options and recall their meaning. The one opposite to the meaning of mitigate is the answer.

Complete answer: An antonym or an opposite refers to a word that is contrary in meaning to another word. For example- Injure is an antonym for heal.
‘Mitigate’ refers to alleviating or taking the edge off of something. The word ‘mitigate’ has been derived from the Latin word- Mitis, which means mild.
We know the meaning and the origin of the word ‘mitigate’. Now, let’s look at its usage:
For example- The policies initiated by our boss have helped in mitigating our company’s problems. Here, we can comprehend that the policies established by X and Y’s boss have reduced or weakened the company’s problems.
Let’s decipher the meaning of the given options-
Option a- ‘Stagnate’ refers to declining or becoming sluggish. ‘Stagnate’ is different in meaning to the given context. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Option b- ‘Aggravate’ refers to increasing or strengthening something. ‘Aggravate’ is opposite in meaning to the given context. Hence, it is the correct option.
Option c- ‘Suffer’ refers to undergoing or experiencing something. ‘Suffer’ is different in meaning to the given context. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Option d- ‘Instigate’ refers to provoking or inciting someone to do something. ‘Instigate’ is different in meaning to the given context. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
The correct answer is Option ‘b’.

Note: Some other antonyms for ‘mitigate’ are; agitate, extend, provoke, etc while some synonyms for ‘mitigate’ are; alleviate, allay, relieve, etc.