Question

Select the opposite of the given word:
Consolidate
a. weaken
b. expand
c. fortify
d. build

Answer 1

Hint: Go through each option one by one, and try to understand the meaning of each option by using it in a sentence. Then, choose the option that has the exact opposite meaning of the given word.
Complete answer: An antonym is any word that is exactly the opposite in
meaning to another word, in the same linguistic bracket. They express things that are
opposite in meaning to each other. For example, the words ‘far’ and ‘near’ are antonyms of each other, as they convey opposite meanings. The word ‘consolidate’ refers to ‘make (something) physically stronger or more solid'. This word is usually used as a verb and the noun of this word can be written as ‘consolidation’. Another antonym of this is ‘dissipate’.

Now, we know the meaning and usage of the word ‘consolidate’. Let’s look at our options:
a. weaken - The word ‘weaken’ refers to ‘make or become weaker in power, resolve, or physical strength’, so this has the exact opposite meaning to the given word. It is the antonym of the word ‘consolidate’. It is the required answer. So, this is the correct option.
b. expand - The word ‘expand’ refers to ‘become or make larger or more extensive', so this has a very different meaning to the given word. It is not the antonym of the word ‘consolidate’. It is not the required answer. So, this is an incorrect option.
c. fortify - The word ‘fortify’ refers to ‘provide (a place) with defensive works as a protection against attack', so this has a very different meaning to the given word. It is not the antonym of the word ‘consolidate’. It is not the required answer. So, this is an incorrect option.
d. build - The word ‘build’ refers to ‘construct (something) by putting parts or material together', so this has a very different meaning to the given word. It is not the antonym of the word ‘consolidate’. It is not the required answer. So, this is an incorrect option.

Note: Some frequently used synonyms of consolidate are centre, centralize, compact, concenter, concentrate, polarize while antonyms are decentralize, deconcentrate, spread (out) etc.