Question

Select the word which means the opposite of the given word: Adhere
(a)To stick fast
(b)To be devoted
(c)Locate
(d)Ignore

Answer 1

Hint: We first need to decipher the meaning of the word ‘adhere and then choose the word which holds a meaning which is opposite to of it or is closest to mean the opposite of it.
Complete answer: Antonyms are words that have contrasting, or the opposite, meanings. “Antonym” is rooted in the Greek language. The Greek word anti means opposite, while onym means name. The word ‘adhere’ is a verb which basically means to hold onto something like a surface tightly or to stick onto a surface quickly. It also means to believe or follow something. This means the same as the phrase we have in option a ‘to stick fast’. To stick fast means to join with another surface quickly. The meaning of ‘adhere’ matches to that of this phrase but, this is not what has been asked for. We need to the word or phrase with the opposite meaning. Thus, option ‘a’ is incorrect.
Option b ‘to be devoted’ means to commit or devote oneself to something. This is neither similar nor opposite in meaning to the given word ‘adhere’. WE need the word/phrase which holds an opposite meaning. Thus, option ‘b’ is incorrect.
Option c ‘locate’ is a verb which means to find the location of something or someone or to see what the position of something is. For example, “The question asked to locate 5 states with the highest population in the country.” This is not the required word. Thus, the option ‘c’ is incorrect.
Option d ‘ignore’ means to avoid something or someone, or to not pay attention to something. This is the closest opposite to the word ‘adhere’. Thus, the option ‘d’ is the correct answer.

Note: Do not get confused with the meaning of adhere. It can be used in various contexts, like, adhere to a command or stick fast to (a surface or substance). Some common synonyms of adhere are cleave, cling, cohere, and stick. Subject: English