Question

Select the word which means the opposite of the word "Abnegation".
A) Abdicate
B) Adhere
C) Renounce
D) Relinquish

Answer 1

Hint: Although the term antonym (and the associated antonymy) is usually used interchangeably with opposing, it has other, more limited meanings. Graded (or gradable) antonyms are word pairs with opposing meanings that fall along a continuum (hot, cold). Complementary antonyms are word pairings with opposing meanings that do not fall on a continuous spectrum (push, pull). Relational antonyms are word pairs in which opposing only makes sense in the context of the two meanings' relationship (teacher, pupil).

Complete answer:
It is preferable to understand the definition of a term before attempting to deduce its antonym. “Abnegation” refers to the act of denying yourself something, particularly something you enjoy or desire.

Let us consider the given options:
Option A) Abdicate: It refers to the legal renunciation or relinquishment of a throne, right, power, claim, obligation,. Therefore, this option is incorrect.

Option B) Adhere: It is a verb that implies clinging to or believing in something. It also means to commit oneself to strict observance. ‘Abnegation’ refers to renouncing or rejecting something is the activity of renouncing or rejecting something. Thus, this option is correct.

Option C) Renounce: “Renounce” means to declare formally or publicly that you no longer own, support, believe in, or are affiliated with anything. Thus, the option is inappropriate.

Option D) Relinquish: It means to give up control over anything, such as a claim or duty. Thus the option is inappropriate.

Therefore the correct answer is option ‘B’.

Note: Antonyms are significant in both speech and writing because they highlight or stress a text's or speech's key theme. Antonyms are employed in literature to create literary techniques such as contradiction. These devices draw attention to certain aspects of a character or a characteristic in a person. Antonyms are also useful in narrating, arguing, describing, and explaining things. Antonyms play a significant part in language acquisition as well.