Choose the correct antonym of the word Autonomy when it is used to mean independence or the right of self government.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Dependence

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This is a vocabulary question asking for the antonym of the word autonomy. Autonomy commonly refers to independence or the right of self rule, whether for individuals or for groups. Recognising antonyms is a key skill for verbal ability tests and for understanding nuanced meanings in reading passages.


Given Data / Assumptions:

    The word presented is Autonomy with its usual meaning of self government or independence.
    The options are Antipathy, Dependence, Antruism and Animation.
    We are looking for the opposite meaning of autonomy in the sense of having control over oneself.
    Words are considered in their common modern English meanings.


Concept / Approach:
Autonomy means the ability to make one own decisions without external control. The opposite would therefore be a state where one relies on or is controlled by others, that is dependence. Antipathy means dislike, antruism appears to be a misspelling of altruism and animation refers to liveliness or motion. None of these except dependence directly capture the opposite of independence or self rule.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Step 1: Recall that autonomy is used when, for example, a region is granted autonomy and can govern itself, or when a student enjoys autonomy in deciding how to study. Step 2: The opposite of such independence is a condition where decisions are controlled from outside, which we call dependence. Step 3: Examine antipathy. It is a strong feeling of dislike or aversion and is about emotions, not about independence or control. Step 4: Consider antruism, which seems to be related to altruism, meaning unselfish concern for others. This is again unrelated to self rule versus external control. Step 5: Consider animation, which means liveliness or the state of being animated. This has no connection to the concept of independence either, leaving dependence as the clear antonym.


Verification / Alternative check:
A quick check with a dictionary or thesaurus would show synonyms of autonomy as independence, self determination and self government. Listed antonyms include dependence and subordination. Since subordination is not among the options, dependence is the best available choice. The other options relate to wholly different semantic fields and cannot work as opposites for autonomy in any standard usage.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

    Antipathy is an emotional term about dislike or hostility and not about political or personal independence.
    Antruism or altruism refers to kindness and concern for others, which does not oppose the idea of self governance.
    Animation describes energy and movement and has no direct relation to being independent or reliant on others.


Common Pitfalls:
Students may be distracted by unfamiliar spellings or by words that simply look complex. One should always focus on the meaning, not the form of the word. Another common mistake is to assume that any word starting with a different prefix might be the opposite, but antonyms are defined by meaning, not by appearance. Matching autonomy with dependence based on conceptual contrast is the correct approach.


Final Answer:
The correct antonym of Autonomy in the sense of independence is Dependence.

More Questions from Alphabet Test

Discussion & Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!
Join Discussion