Question

Select the antonym for the following word from the given options:
INTENSIFY
A) Diminish
B) Heightened
C) Reduce
D) Attenuate

Answer 1

Hint: An antonym is a term that has a different meaning as another. For example, the antonym of 'hot' could be 'cold.' 'Antonym' comes from the words 'anti,' which means 'against' or 'opposite,' and 'onym,' which means 'name.' Synonyms and antonyms are the polar opposites to each other. While antonyms mean opposite words, synonyms mean similar words.

Complete answer:
An antonym is a term that is defined as the exact opposite of another. It is a noun and is properly characterized as a word with the opposite meaning. On a continuum, antonyms are word pairs with polar opposite meanings (hot, cold). Word pairs with opposing meanings that do not fall on a continuous continuum are called complementary antonyms (push, pull). Relational antonyms are word pairings in which the opposite makes sense only in light of the link between the two meanings (teacher, pupil).

To intensify anything means to make it considerably more powerful or intense. Wearing fake eyelashes to make your eyes stand out is an example of intensification.

Let us look at the given options:
A) Diminish: The word ‘intensify’ means to increase force whereas diminishing means to make something less. Thus, diminish is not the antonym of the above word as it is not the opposite.
B) Heightened: This option is incorrect because heightened is the synonym for Intensify. Both the words mean to ‘increase the force’. Whereas the above question asks for
C) Reduce: This option is incorrect to reduce means to make something small whereas the word ‘intensify’ means to increase force. Therefore, it is not the antonym for intensify.
D) Attenuate: This is the correct option. Attenuate means 'to reduce the force,' whereas intensify implies 'to raise the force.' For instance, unexpected liberalism attenuated her intolerance.

Thus, the correct answer is Option (D) i.e, Attenuate.

Note: An antonym is a term that has multiple meanings. The essence of the relationship between the opposed meanings distinguishes three types of antonyms. Because the phrases do not fall on a continuous continuum and the words have no other lexical link, they are complementary antonyms. Relational antonyms exist when two meanings are opposite only in the sense of their relationship.