Question

Select the word or group of words that is most opposite in meaning to the word in capital letters.
DEFICIT
(a)Surplus
(b)Sufficiency
(c)Luxury
(d)Explicit

Answer 1

Hint: We need to find the antonym of the word deficit. Read the question and try to understand the context, it will give you an idea about the meaning of the given word. Now go through the options and recall their meaning. The one opposite to the meaning of deficit is the answer.

Complete answer: An antonym or an opposite refers to a word that is contrary in meaning to another word. For example- Healthy is an antonym for weak.
‘Deficit’ refers to the deficiency or loss of something. The word ‘deficit’ has been derived from the Latin word- Decifere, which means lacking.
We know the meaning and the origin of the word ‘deficit’. Now, let’s look at its usage:
For example- Our company is facing a deficit of 1 crore rupees. Here, we can conclude that X and Y’s company is facing a loss or shortage of 1 crore rupees.
Let’s examine the given options-
Option a- ‘Surplus’ refers to overabundance or excess of something. For example- The government has decided to donate surplus food to the poor. ‘Surplus’ is opposite in meaning to the given context. Hence, it is the correct option.
Option b- ‘Sufficiency’ refers to an adequate or sufficient amount of something. For example- We were blessed with a sufficiency of gifts and goodies. ‘Sufficiency’ is opposite in meaning to the given context. Hence, it is the correct option.
Option c- ‘Luxury’ refers to prosperity and wealth. For example- The old man lived a life of luxury. ‘Luxury’ is different in meaning to the given context. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Option d- ‘Explicit’ refers to something clearly or directly stated. For example- I had explicitly mentioned the details to warn you. ‘Explicit’ is different in meaning to the given context. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
The correct answer is Option ‘a’ and ‘b’.

Note: Some other antonyms for ‘deficit’ are; abundance, adequacy, plenty, etc while some synonyms for ‘deficit’ are; loss, shortfall, defalcation, etc.