Question

Select the opposite of the given word:
Magnify

a) Reduce
b) Induce
c) Produce
d) Destroy

Answer 1

Hint: Magnify means to make something appear larger than it actually is. It also means to praise highly or to glorify someone or something.

Complete step-by-step answer:

Magnify means to enlarge or enhance something. It's opposite should mean or be a synonym of lessen or decrease.

Induce means to succeed in persuading or making someone do something. It also means to convince. Example: The advertisement is meant to induce people to eat more fruit.

Produce means to make or manufacture something from raw materials. It also means to fabricate or create. Example: The company has just produced a luxury version of the aircraft.
Destroy means to end the existence or presence of someone or something by damaging or attacking it. It also refers to breaking something apart by force or some external source.

The above options are incorrect as they don't justify or resonate with the meaning of lessen or decrease which will give us the antonym or opposite of magnify.

Reduce means to make something smaller or less in amount, degree or size. Example: For business to prosper we need to reduce the costs. It is the correct option as it means opposite to magnify, which means to enlarge.

Note: Often try to find the meaning of the word given and the reference in which it is used. It provides us a deeper understanding of the meaning and hence helps us to mark out the wrong options.