Directions: Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow (Q.…
2016
Directions: Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow (Q. No. 78 to 84) by selecting the most appropriate option.
Scientists are extremely concerned about the changes taking place in our climate. The changes are said to be alarmingly rapid and the result of human activity whereas in the past it had been natural and much slower. The major problem is that the planet appears to be warming up (global warming). This is occurring at a rate unprecedented in the last 10,000 years. The implications are very serious. Rising temperatures could give rise to extremely high increase in the incidence of floods and droughts, having effect on agriculture. It is thought that this unusual warming of the Earth has been caused by greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, being emitted into the atmosphere by car engines and modern industrial processes. Such gases not only add to the pollution of the atmosphere, but trap the heat of the sun leading to the warming up of the planet. It has been suggested that industrialized countries would try to reduce the volume of greenhouse gas emissions and plant more trees to create 'sinks' to absorb greenhouse gases.
79. The 'antonym' of the underlined word 'increase' is:
- A.
increment
- B.
reduction
- C.
smaller
- D.
rapid
Attempted by 1 students.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Concept: An antonym is a word that expresses the meaning exactly opposite to a given word along one specific dimension of meaning — such as direction of quantity, size, or speed — not merely any different or unrelated word.
Application: The underlined word 'increase' means a rise or growth in the amount or extent of something. Its antonym must express a fall or decline along that same dimension — quantity. 'Reduction', which means a decrease or lessening in amount, is exactly this opposite, so it is the correct antonym of 'increase'.
Cross-check: Contrasting the other options confirms this:
increment — means an addition or rise in amount, the same direction as 'increase', making it a synonym rather than an antonym.
smaller — compares the size of an object, not the direction of a quantity's change; it belongs to a different dimension of meaning.
rapid — describes speed or pace, unrelated to amount or quantity altogether.
Hence, 'reduction' is the antonym of 'increase'.