Question

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

• A. Alleviate
• B. Incriminate
• C. Aggravate
• D. Vibrant

Hint:

To find antonyms for verbs:
- Define the verb: "EXACERBATE" means to make worse.
- Find a verb that reverses the action: "alleviate" means to make better.
- Eliminate synonyms: "aggravate" also means to make worse, so it’s not the opposite.
- Practice with similar verbs: "worsen" vs. "improve," "intensify" vs. "reduce."

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

To determine the word that is nearest to the opposite in meaning to the key word "EXACERBATE," we need to understand the meaning of "exacerbate" and compare it with the given options.
This question tests your vocabulary and ability to identify antonyms.
Step 1: Understand the Meaning of "EXACERBATE"
The word "EXACERBATE" means to make a situation, problem, or feeling worse or more severe (e.g., "His harsh words exacerbated the conflict.").
It is often used in the context of worsening a negative situation, such as increasing pain, tension, or difficulty.
To find the opposite, we need a word that means to make a situation better, less severe, or to improve it.
Step 2: Analyze Option A - "Alleviate"
Option A is "Alleviate," which means to make a problem, pain, or situation less severe or to relieve it (e.g., "The medicine alleviated her headache.").
"Alleviate" directly opposes "exacerbate" because it means to improve or lessen a negative situation, while "exacerbate" means to worsen it.
For example:
- "Stress exacerbates the illness" (makes it worse).
- "Rest alleviates the illness" (makes it better).
Option A seems to be the correct choice, but let’s check the other options to confirm.
Step 3: Analyze Option B - "Incriminate"
Option B is "Incriminate," which means to make someone appear guilty of a crime or wrongdoing (e.g., "The evidence incriminated the suspect.").
"Incriminate" is related to blame or guilt, not to the severity of a situation.
"Exacerbate" is about worsening a situation, while "incriminate" is about accusing someone—it’s a completely different context.
Therefore, "incriminate" is not the opposite of "exacerbate."
Option B is incorrect.
Step 4: Analyze Option C - "Aggravate"
Option C is "Aggravate," which means to make a situation worse or more serious, or to annoy someone (e.g., "His behavior aggravated the problem.").
"Aggravate" is actually a synonym of "exacerbate," as both describe the act of making something worse.
Since we’re looking for the opposite of "exacerbate," "aggravate" cannot be the correct answer.
Option C is incorrect.
Step 5: Analyze Option D - "Vibrant"
Option D is "Vibrant," which means full of energy, life, or bright color (e.g., "The vibrant festival attracted many visitors.").
"Vibrant" describes something lively or energetic, but it doesn’t relate to worsening or improving a situation.
"Exacerbate" is about the severity of a problem, while "vibrant" is about energy or liveliness—it’s not relevant to the context.
Therefore, "vibrant" is not the opposite of "exacerbate."
Option D is incorrect.
Step 6: Confirm the Correct Answer
Let’s review:
- "Alleviate" (A) means to lessen or improve a situation, directly opposing "exacerbate" (worsen).
- "Incriminate" (B) is about blame, not severity, so it’s unrelated.
- "Aggravate" (C) is a synonym of "exacerbate," not an antonym.
- "Vibrant" (D) describes energy, not the act of improving or worsening a situation.
Option A, "Alleviate," is indeed the word nearest to the opposite of "exacerbate," as it reverses the action of worsening by improving or relieving the situation.
Step 7: Why the Other Options Are Incorrect - A Broader Perspective
- Option B ("Incriminate"): "Incriminate" deals with guilt, not the severity of a situation, so it’s irrelevant.
- Option C ("Aggravate"): "Aggravate" means the same as "exacerbate," making it a synonym, not an antonym.
- Option D ("Vibrant"): "Vibrant" is about energy and liveliness, not about improving or worsening a situation.
Step 8: Key Concepts
- Antonyms for Actions: For a verb like "exacerbate" (make worse), the antonym is a verb like "alleviate" (make better).
- Contextual Relevance: Ensure the antonym fits the context—here, "exacerbate" is about severity, so the opposite must address severity.
- Vocabulary Expansion: Learn related words: "exacerbate," "aggravate," "worsen" are similar; "alleviate," "relieve," "ease" are opposites.