Question

Choose the word/phrase which is opposite in meaning to the bold word/phrase in the sentence-
The Commission took two years to go through the massive collection of files and documents before preparing its report.
a)Ugly
b)Short
c)Light
d)Heavy
e)Meagre

Answer 1

Hint: Massive refers to someone or something that is enormous or gigantic in shape, size, amount, or degree.

Complete answer:

The word ‘massive’ has been derived from the French word- Massif.
We know the meaning and the origin of the word ‘massive’. Now, let’s look at its usage:
Example- The journalist reported about a massive storm entering the city of New York. Here, we can comprehend that a journalist ‘X’ reported about a huge and enormous storm entering the city of New York.
Antonyms or opposites are words that are contrary in meaning to another word. Example- Happy is an antonym/ opposite of sad.
Let’s examine the given options-
Option a- ‘Ugly’ refers to someone or something that is unpleasant or grotesque. Example- The beggar wore an ugly jacket. ‘Ugly’ is different in meaning to massive. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Option b- ‘Short’ refers to someone or something that is tiny or small in length or height. Example- My brother is shorter than me. ‘Short’ is not the opposite of massive. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Option c- ‘Light’ refers to someone or something that is weightless or airy. Example- My new tent is quite light and transportable. ‘Light’ is opposite in meaning to massive. Hence, it is the correct option.
Option d- ‘Heavy’ refers to someone or something that is big or large. Example- I tried to move a heavy tire from the road. ‘Heavy’ is similar in meaning to massive. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Option e- ‘Meagre’ refers to a person who is thin or feeble. Example- My driver is a short, meagre man. ‘Meagre’ is different in meaning to massive. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
The correct answer is Option ‘c’.

Note: Keep in mind; light indicates the weight and size of something, whereas ‘meagre’ is used to indicate the weight of a person or an animal.