Question

Select the word or group of words that is farthest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
VENERATION
a. Embezzlement
b. Awe
c. Disrespect
d. Far-sighted

Answer 1

Hint: Antonyms are opposite words. In this case, we must find a word whose meaning is completely different than that of ‘veneration’.

Complete step-by-step answer:

 As we have seen before, antonyms are also known as opposite words. Anything that is opposite differs in its meaning completely from the given word. If the word is open, its opposite would be a word that implies something that isn’t open i.e., closed. Similarly, if the word is spring, its opposite would be a word that implies a season where plants and trees wither i.e. autumn.
In the given question, the word is ‘veneration’. Veneration is an abstract noun. It is the state or quality of being venerated or respected. Now, that we know what the word means, we must find a word whose meaning is the opposite of ‘veneration’. Logically, this means that we have to find a word whose meaning is a lack of respect or lack of courtesy. Out of all the given options, the word disrespect, which means lack of respect, is the correct match of this opposite meaning. Hence, option ‘c’ is the correct answer.

Note: Let us consider the problematic areas of this question. It is important that the student reads the question carefully and understands the direction given. If a student mistakes a synonym for an antonym, he/she may choose option ‘b’ awe instead of choosing the correct antonym which is disrespect. Therefore, understanding the direction given in the question is very important.