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:
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:
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:
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.
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