Question

Select the word which has the opposite meaning of the given word:
Vindication
a. suspicion
b. accusation
c. inference
d. insinuation

Answer 1

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

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 smooth, its opposite would be a word that means having an irregular surface i.e., rough. Similarly, if the word is narrow, its opposite would be a word that means covering a large distance between two given points i.e. broad.
In the given question, the word is ‘vindication’. Vindication is an abstract noun. Its meaning is to clear someone of blame or to redeem their honour. Now, that we know what the word means, we must find a word whose meaning is the opposite of ‘vindication’. Logically, this means that we have to find a word whose meaning is to blame someone in a way that will compromise their honour. Out of all the given options, the word accusation, which means, the act of claiming that someone has done something wrong is the correct match of this opposite meaning. Hence, option ‘b’ is the correct answer.

Note: Let us consider the problematic areas of this question. Students may confuse option ‘d’ insinuation with option ‘b’ accusation as they bear similar connotations. However, the difference is that when you insinuate something, you are hinting something but not saying it outrightly. On the other hand, when you accuse someone, you blame them outrightly.