Question

Find out the word which is nearest to the opposite in meaning to the key word given in capitals: PERNICIOUS

• A. Harmless
• B. Ridiculous
• C. Destructive
• D. Beneficial

Hint:

To find antonyms for impact-related words:
- Define the word: "PERNICIOUS" means harmful or destructive.
- Look for a word with the opposite impact: "beneficial" means helpful and positive.
- Consider intensity: "harmless" is neutral, but "beneficial" is actively positive, better opposing "pernicious."
- Practice with similar words: "harmful" vs. "helpful," "dangerous" vs. "safe."

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

To determine the word that is nearest to the opposite in meaning to the key word "PERNICIOUS," we need to understand the meaning of "pernicious" and compare it with the given options.
This question tests your vocabulary and ability to identify antonyms.
Step 1: Understand the Meaning of "PERNICIOUS"
The word "PERNICIOUS" means having a harmful or destructive effect, often in a subtle or gradual way (e.g., "The pernicious effects of smoking can take years to appear.").
It describes something that causes serious harm, injury, or damage, often in a way that’s not immediately obvious.
To find the opposite, we need a word that means helpful, positive, or not harmful.
Step 2: Analyze Option A - "Harmless"
Option A is "Harmless," which means not causing or capable of causing harm (e.g., "The snake is harmless and won’t bite.").
"Harmless" directly opposes the idea of harm, which is central to "pernicious."
While "pernicious" means actively harmful or destructive, "harmless" means not harmful at all, making it a potential antonym.
For example, a "pernicious rumor" causes harm, while a "harmless rumor" does not.
Option A is a strong candidate, but let’s check the other options to see if there’s a better fit.
Step 3: Analyze Option B - "Ridiculous"
Option B is "Ridiculous," which means absurd, laughable, or deserving of mockery (e.g., "His ridiculous outfit made everyone laugh.").
"Ridiculous" describes something foolish or silly, but it doesn’t directly relate to harm or benefit.
A "pernicious" thing causes harm, but a "ridiculous" thing is simply absurd—it neither causes nor prevents harm inherently.
Therefore, "ridiculous" is not the opposite of "pernicious."
Option B is incorrect.
Step 4: Analyze Option C - "Destructive"
Option C is "Destructive," which means causing damage or destruction (e.g., "The destructive storm ruined the village.").
"Destructive" is actually a synonym of "pernicious," as both describe something that causes harm or damage.
Since we’re looking for the opposite of "pernicious," "destructive" cannot be the correct answer.
Option C is incorrect.
Step 5: Analyze Option D - "Beneficial"
Option D is "Beneficial," which means having a positive or helpful effect; advantageous (e.g., "Eating vegetables is beneficial to your health.").
"Beneficial" describes something that promotes well-being or provides a positive outcome, which directly opposes "pernicious," as "pernicious" describes something that causes harm or destruction.
For example, a "pernicious habit" (like smoking) harms health, while a "beneficial habit" (like exercising) improves health.
Option D is also a strong candidate, so let’s compare it with option A to determine the best fit.
Step 6: Compare Options A ("Harmless") and D ("Beneficial")
- "Harmless" (A) means not causing harm, which is a direct negation of "pernicious" (causing harm).
- "Beneficial" (D) means actively causing good or providing a benefit, which goes beyond just not causing harm—it implies a positive effect.
The question asks for the word "nearest to the opposite" of "pernicious."
- "Harmless" is a neutral term—it means the absence of harm.
- "Beneficial" is a positive term—it means the presence of good.
Since "pernicious" is actively harmful (a negative quality), its most direct opposite would be something actively good, like "beneficial," rather than something neutral like "harmless."
For example:
- A "pernicious policy" causes harm to society.
- A "beneficial policy" improves society (direct opposite).
- A "harmless policy" simply doesn’t cause harm, but it doesn’t necessarily improve anything.
"Beneficial" more completely opposes "pernicious" by reversing its effect (from harmful to helpful), while "harmless" only negates the harm without adding a positive effect.
Therefore, option D, "Beneficial," is the better answer.
Step 7: Why the Other Options Are Incorrect - A Broader Perspective
- Option A ("Harmless"): While "harmless" negates harm, it’s a neutral term, not a positive one, so it’s less directly opposite to "pernicious" than "beneficial."
- Option B ("Ridiculous"): "Ridiculous" is unrelated to harm or benefit, making it irrelevant.
- Option C ("Destructive"): "Destructive" is a synonym, not an antonym, of "pernicious."
Step 8: Key Concepts
- Antonyms and Intensity: For a strongly negative word like "pernicious," the best antonym is often a strongly positive word like "beneficial," rather than a neutral one like "harmless."
- Nuance in Meaning: "Harmless" negates harm; "beneficial" adds a positive effect, making it a more complete opposite.
- Vocabulary Expansion: Learn related words: "pernicious," "destructive," "harmful" are similar; "beneficial," "helpful," "positive" are opposites.