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SSC CGL Preparation – Day 3
English – Synonyms and Antonyms
🔍 What Are Synonyms and Antonyms?
- Synonyms: Words that have similar meanings.
E.g., Happy – Joyful, Glad, Cheerful - Antonyms: Words that have opposite meanings.
E.g., Happy – Sad, Unhappy, Miserable
🎯 Why Are They Important for SSC CGL?
SSC CGL regularly asks direct vocabulary-based questions. These are:
- One-word substitution
- Sentence-based Synonyms/Antonyms
- Contextual usage (used in Cloze Test, RCs)
Vocabulary is tested directly in Tier 1 and indirectly through reading sections in Tier 2.
🧠 Key Concepts:
🔹 Synonyms:
- Not all synonyms are exact replacements.
- Choose words that fit the context correctly.
- For example:
- “Big” can have many synonyms: large, huge, massive, gigantic
- But: massive might not work for “big smile” — use wide instead.
🔹 Antonyms:
- These test your understanding of opposites in tone or meaning.
- Some words have multiple antonyms depending on usage.
- Sharp (knife) ↔ blunt
- Sharp (intelligent) ↔ dull
🛠️ How to Approach Synonym/Antonym Questions:
- Read the word carefully.
- Guess its meaning (root, prefix/suffix help).
- Read all options – Eliminate obviously wrong ones.
- Plug it in a sample sentence to check tone/meaning.
- Pick the closest match or opposite (depending on question type).
📌 Common Prefixes/Suffixes to Decode Meaning:
| Prefix | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| un- | not | unhappy |
| dis- | opposite | disappear |
| in-/im- | not | improper |
| re- | again | redo |
| -ful | full of | hopeful |
| -less | without | hopeless |
📚 Common Synonyms List (SSC Focused):
| Word | Synonyms |
|---|---|
| Abandon | Desert, forsake, leave |
| Begin | Start, initiate, commence |
| Brave | Courageous, valiant, heroic |
| Clever | Intelligent, smart, shrewd |
| Famous | Renowned, celebrated, eminent |
| Happy | Cheerful, joyous, elated |
| Honest | Truthful, sincere, frank |
| Help | Assist, support, aid |
| Idea | Thought, concept, notion |
| Improve | Enhance, boost, refine |
📚 Common Antonyms List (SSC Focused):
| Word | Antonyms |
|---|---|
| Abundant | Scarce, insufficient |
| Accept | Reject, refuse |
| Bold | Timid, shy |
| Careful | Careless, negligent |
| Dark | Bright, luminous |
| Easy | Difficult, hard |
| Increase | Decrease, reduce |
| Love | Hate, detest |
| Polite | Rude, impolite |
| Success | Failure, defeat |
📌 Tips to Master Synonyms & Antonyms:
- Read newspapers (like The Hindu or Indian Express) for word exposure.
- Use vocabulary flashcards or apps (like Magoosh or Quizlet).
- Maintain a Vocabulary Notebook with 5 words daily.
- Practice previous year SSC papers regularly.
✏️ Sample Questions:
Q1. Choose the synonym of “Candid”:
(a) Secret
(b) Honest
(c) Tricky
(d) Biased
✅ Answer: (b) Honest
Explanation: Candid means truthful and straightforward.
Q2. Choose the antonym of “Expand”:
(a) Contract
(b) Increase
(c) Enlarge
(d) Extend
✅ Answer: (a) Contract
Explanation: Expand ↔ Contract
Q3. Choose the synonym of “Reluctant”:
(a) Willing
(b) Hesitant
(c) Brave
(d) Friendly
✅ Answer: (b) Hesitant
Explanation: Reluctant means unwilling or hesitant.
Q4. Choose the antonym of “Generous”:
(a) Kind
(b) Stingy
(c) Honest
(d) Rich
✅ Answer: (b) Stingy
Explanation: Generous ↔ Stingy
Q5. Choose the synonym of “Adverse”:
(a) Negative
(b) Helpful
(c) Positive
(d) Suitable
✅ Answer: (a) Negative
Explanation: Adverse = harmful or unfavorable.
🚨 SSC CGL Pattern Alert:
- Often used in Cloze Tests & Reading Comprehension
- You may be asked:
→ “Choose the most appropriate word to replace…”
→ “Which word is OPPOSITE in meaning to…?”
→ “Find the synonym of the underlined word…”
