SSC CGL (Prelims) English: English Vocabulary questions with solutions

Q1. The antonym of 'scarcity' is:

1. Shortage
2. Drought
3. Abundance
4. Need

Answer: Abundance

Scarcity means shortage or lack of something. Its opposite is abundance, which means a plentiful supply. Therefore, the correct antonym is 'Abundance'.

Q2. Choose the correctly spelled word:

1. Occurrence
2. Occurence
3. Ocurrence
4. Occurrance

Answer: Occurrence

The correct spelling is 'Occurrence'. The other options contain missing or incorrect letters. This is a common spelling word tested in competitive exams.

Q3. Choose the most appropriate synonym of the word 'reverence'.

1. Hatred
2. Respect
3. Pity
4. Doubt

Answer: Respect

'Reverence' means deep respect or admiration for someone or something. Therefore, 'Respect' is the correct synonym.

Q4. What is the meaning of the phrase 'a storm in a teacup'?

1. A dangerous situation
2. A minor issue blown out of proportion
3. A great opportunity
4. A confusing situation

Answer: A minor issue blown out of proportion

The idiom 'a storm in a teacup' means making a big fuss about something that is actually minor. It describes an exaggerated reaction to a small issue.

Q5. Find the synonym of "robust".

1. Weak
2. Fragile
3. Strong
4. Lazy

Answer: Strong

"Robust" means strong, sturdy, or healthy. Among the options, "Strong" is the closest synonym.

Q6. Choose the correct antonym of the word 'ancient'.

1. Old
2. Modern
3. Traditional
4. Classic

Answer: Modern

'Ancient' means very old. The opposite is 'modern', which refers to something current or recent.

Q7. Choose the correct synonym for ‘brilliant’.

1. Dull
2. Intelligent
3. Silent
4. Active

Answer: Intelligent

'Brilliant' can mean very intelligent or exceptionally clever. Among the options, 'Intelligent' is the closest synonym.

Q8. Pick the correct antonym of ‘increase’.

1. Reduce
2. Raise
3. Grow
4. Expand

Answer: Reduce

Increase means to become larger or greater. Reduce is the opposite, meaning to make smaller or less, so it is the correct antonym.

Q9. Pick the synonym of ‘silent’.

1. Quiet
2. Loud
3. Noisy
4. Wild

Answer: Quiet

‘Silent’ means not making noise or sound. ‘Quiet’ is the closest synonym among the options.

Q10. Choose the antonym of "victory".

1. Defeat
2. Win
3. Success
4. Glory

Answer: Defeat

"Victory" means success or winning. Its opposite is "defeat," which means losing.

Q11. Pick the antonym of "agree".

1. Concur
2. Accept
3. Disagree
4. Admit

Answer: Disagree

"Agree" means to have the same opinion or consent. The opposite is "disagree," which means to differ in opinion.

Q12. Select the antonym of 'accept'.

1. Deny
2. Admit
3. Agree
4. Submit

Answer: Deny

'Accept' means to receive or agree to something, while 'deny' means to refuse or reject. The other options are not antonyms of 'accept'.

Q13. Pick the synonym of ‘start’.

1. Stop
2. Begin
3. End
4. Close

Answer: Begin

"Begin" means to start or commence something. The other options are antonyms or unrelated in meaning.

Q14. Pick the antonym of 'difficult'.

1. Easy
2. Hard
3. Tricky
4. Tough

Answer: Easy

The antonym of 'difficult' is 'easy' because it means not hard or requiring little effort. The other options are synonyms or near-synonyms of difficult.

Q15. Pick the synonym of "honest".

1. Deceitful
2. Truthful
3. Cruel
4. Lazy

Answer: Truthful

"Honest" means truthful, sincere, and free from deceit. Among the options, "Truthful" is the correct synonym.

Q16. Pick the synonym of "brilliant".

1. Dull
2. Smart
3. Lazy
4. Slow

Answer: Smart

"Brilliant" can mean intelligent or clever in this context. Among the options, "Smart" is the closest synonym.

Q17. Pick the antonym of “strong”.

1. Firm
2. Weak
3. Mighty
4. Solid

Answer: Weak

“Strong” means having power or strength, and its opposite is “weak.” The other options are either synonyms or closely related in meaning.

Q18. Pick the synonym of 'help'.

1. Assist
2. Harm
3. Hide
4. Deny

Answer: Assist

'Assist' means to help or support someone, so it is the synonym of 'help'. The other options have opposite or unrelated meanings.

Q19. Select the antonym of "brave".

1. Fearless
2. Cowardly
3. Bold
4. Confident

Answer: Cowardly

"Brave" means courageous or fearless. The opposite is "cowardly," which means lacking courage or easily frightened.

Q20. Pick the antonym of "accept".

1. Agree
2. Reject
3. Admit
4. Receive

Answer: Reject

"Accept" means to receive or agree to something. The opposite is "reject," which means to refuse or decline.

Q21. Pick the antonym of "arrival".

1. Entrance
2. Return
3. Departure
4. Greeting

Answer: Departure

"Arrival" means coming to a place, while "departure" means leaving it. Therefore, departure is the antonym.

Q22. Choose the synonym of ‘lazy’.

1. Active
2. Energetic
3. Idle
4. Lively

Answer: Idle

"Lazy" means unwilling to work or exert effort. "Idle" is the closest synonym among the options.

Q23. Pick the antonym of "deep".

1. Shallow
2. Wide
3. Narrow
4. High

Answer: Shallow

“Deep” means having great depth, so its opposite is “shallow,” which means not deep. The other options do not express the opposite meaning.

Q24. Pick the synonym of 'tiny'.

1. Big
2. Large
3. Small
4. Huge

Answer: Small

'Tiny' means very small in size. Among the options, 'small' is the closest synonym.