Question

Select the word that is most different in meaning to the given word in capital letters.
ONEROUS
A. Egregious
B. Effusive
C. Easy
D. Efficient

Answer 1

Hint: The word that is opposite to the meaning of a given word is called its antonym.Here by mentioning ‘most different’ it is meant that the opposite word of ‘Onerous’ is asked. The meaning of the word ‘onerous’ is defined as something that involves great effort, difficulties or trouble. It can be a task or a responsibility.

Complete step by step answer:
1. Here we are going to check each option one by one so that we can detect the correct option containing the appropriate answer. Something which is terrible and wrong beyond a reasonable degree can be termed as ‘egregious’. For example, “It was the most egregious act the government has ever perpetrated”, the word ‘egregious’ describes the mischievous and terrible behaviour of the government. The words ‘onerous’ and ‘egregious’ are not similar. But they are not opposite too. Hence, this option is wrong.
2. Someone who shows gratitude, pleasure or approval in a sincere manner, is called an ‘effluent’ person. This word can be used in a sentence like “Sally was effusive in her praise of the judges who awarded her the trophy.” Where Sally (the subject) is described as being very cordial in praising the judges. The words ‘effluent’ and ‘onerous’ are not similar in meaning, but they are not antonyms either. Effluent is a behaviour type whereas onerous is a situation. Hence, this option is also wrong.
3. If we move on to option D, we can see that the word ‘efficient’ is referred to as a behaviour that can achieve maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort. Although this word is not similar to ‘onerous’, it is still not it's antonym. This is because efficiency is a habit where something is carried out in a well organised way. On the other hand, easy (antonym of onerous) is defined as something that does not require much effort. It is usually not carried out in a well-organised way.
4.When something is called ‘easy’, a general idea is conceived that it can be completed or achieved without much effort. Also, it presents few difficulties. If we use ‘easy’ in a sentence like, “This exercise is too easy”, we can see that the speaker describes the exercise as something that can be achieved without dealing with much difficulties or even without facing any difficulties. Now, if we look at the word ‘onerous’, and compare the same with ‘easy’, we can see that both the words are exactly opposite. This makes option C correct.

Hence the option C is the right answer.

Note:
Synonyms and antonyms are essential parts of grammar that help to increase our vocabulary, make reading languages more enjoyable and also make our writings come alive. Synonyms are words that closely resemble a given word. Whereas, antonyms are those words which are completely opposite in meaning to a given word.