Question

Against the given word, there are some alternatives, one of which is ether similar in meaning (synonym) or opposite in meaning (antonym) to the word. Find out which of the given alternatives is either a synonym or an antonym of the word.
EXACERBATE
a)Throw up
b)Aggravate
c)Wear away
d)Bring out

Answer 1

Hint: Antonyms are words with opposite meanings. Whereas, synonyms are words sharing the same or similar meaning to the given word. So, what you need to do is? You need to look for the word sharing similar meaning or opposite meaning of EXACERBATE.

Complete step-by-step answer:

First let us understand what EXACERBATE means – to make a problem, the situation worse, or to make something that is already bad worse. For e.g. the new law exacerbates the situation in society, i.e. it just worsens the situation in society.
Now, that we have looked into the meaning and use of the word let us consider the meanings given in the options –
Now, let us look into the options, option –
a)Throw up – it means to vomit, which is neither a synonym nor an antonym for the word exacerbate. Therefore, this is the incorrect option to use.
b)Aggravate – it means to make a problem, injury or offense worse or more serious than it was. This is a synonym for the word exacerbate as it shares a similar meaning to the word exacerbate. Therefore, this is the correct option to use.
c)Wear away – it means to gradually disappear or to cause something to gradually disappear or become thinner, etc. since this is neither a synonym nor an antonym for the given word. Therefore, this is not the correct option to use here.
d)Bring out – it means to make apparent or to effectively develop something, such as quality, etc, or to present something to the public. Since it is neither a synonym or antonym for the given word. Therefore, this is not the correct option to use.
So, as we can see by the explanation given above that the correct solution is in option – b.

Note: We just need to find either a synonym or an antonym for the given word in the question and not both. Therefore, carefully look into the meaning of each option and compare it with the meaning of the given word. That way you will land on the correct solution.