Question

Choose the word that gives the antonym of the word italicized:
The primary duty of our countrymen at present should be to curb such social evils as casteism and untouchability.

• A. recommend
• B. restore
• C. encourage
• D. reinstate

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

encourage

An antonym is a word that is opposite in meaning to another word.

Option C: 'Curb' means 'suppress or keep in check'.

'Encourage' means 'to stimulate an activity, support it'.

'Encourage' supports an activity whereas 'curb' tries to stop it.

So, 'encourage' is the antonym of 'curb' and option C is correct.

Option A: 'Recommend' means 'advise or suggest an activity or person'.

Option B: 'Restore' means 'bring back/re-establish'.

Option D: 'Reinstate' means 'to restore to its former position'.

These words do not mean the opposite of the italicized word 'curb'.

Hence options A, B and D are wrong.