Question

Choose the word opposite in meaning to the given word.
DEPLETE
a. Refund
b. Replenish
c. Fulfil
d. Recover

Answer 1

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

Complete step-by-step 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 rash, its opposite would be a word that implies to be careful to avoid potential dangers i.e., cautious. Similarly, if the word is panic, its opposite would be a word that means not showing strong emotions i.e. calm.
In the given question, the word is ‘deplete’. Deplete is a verb that is derived from the Latin word ‘deplere’. Deplete means to diminish in number or quantity. Now, that we know what the word means, we must find a word whose meaning is the opposite of ‘deplete’. Logically, this means that we have to find a word whose meaning is to increase in number or quantity. Out of all the given options, the word replenish, which means to fill something up again, is the correct match of this opposite meaning. Hence, option ‘b’ is the correct answer.

Note: Let us consider the problematic areas of this question. If a student has a vague idea of the meanings of the options, he/she may choose one of the other options as the answer. Hence, it is important that the students know the meanings of all the words listed in their lessons and that they learn their respective synonyms and antonyms.