Question

Select the antonym for the following word from the options given below-
DIMINISH
a) Decrease
b) Contrast
c) Increase
d) Corner

Answer 1

Hint: An antonym refers to a word that is opposite in meaning to another word. Example- Neat is the antonym of untidy.

Complete answer:
Diminish refers to reducing or lessening something. The word diminish has been derived from the Latin word- Minuere, which means to make small.
We know the meaning and the origin of the word diminish. Now, let’s look at its usage:
Example- The medicine’s side effects should diminish over time. Here, we can understand that the medicine’s side effects will reduce or lessen over time.
Let’s examine the given options-
a) Decrease- It means to reduce something in value or size. It is similar in meaning to diminish. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Example- The government has decreased the amount of pension given to the citizens.
b) Contrast- It refers to the state of being different or distinct from something else. It is different in meaning to diminish. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Example- Red top looks better in contrast to the green top.

c) Increase- It means to expand or enlarge something. It is opposite in meaning to diminish. Hence, it is the correct option.
Example- Mother asked me to increase my hour of self-studying.

d) Corner- It refers to a place where two sides meet. It is different in meaning to diminish. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Example- I asked him to wait for me at the corner of the road.
The correct answer is Option ‘c’.

Note: The ‘minis’ part of the word diminish has been taken from the Latin word- Minus, which means to subtract. Hence, to lessen the value of something.