Question

Select the word which means the opposite of the given word.
Unique
a. Special
b. Uncommon
c. Well-to-do
d. Common

Answer 1

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

Complete 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 fast, its opposite would be a word that means moving at a low speed i.e., slow. Similarly, if the word is early, its opposite would be a word that means doing something after the expected time i.e. late.
In the given question, the word is ‘unique’. Unique is an adjective that is derived from the Latin word ‘unicus’. If something is unique, it is unlike anything else. It is the only one of its kind. Now, that we know what the word means, we must find a word whose meaning is the opposite of ‘unique’. Logically, this means that we have to find a word whose meaning is to be like many other things. Out of all the given options, the word common, which means, occurring often or quite prevalent, is the correct match of this opposite meaning.
Hence, option ‘d’ 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 the option ‘a’ special or option ‘b’ uncommon, instead of choosing the correct antonym which is common. Therefore, understanding the direction given in the question is very important.