In the following vocabulary question, choose the word that is opposite in meaning to "Turgid" as used to describe a style or manner that is swollen, pompous, or overblown.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Humble

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This antonym question focuses on the word "turgid." In everyday and literary use, "turgid" can describe language or style that is swollen, pompous, or excessively ornate. In physical contexts, it can mean swollen or distended. The question asks you to find the opposite, which should convey simplicity, modesty, or lack of swollen quality rather than an alternative form of swelling.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Target word: "Turgid."
  • Options: "Bloated," "Humble," "Puffy," and "Tumescent."
  • The question asks for the opposite (antonym) in meaning.
  • The most test relevant sense is "pompous, bombastic, overblown" in language or behaviour.


Concept / Approach:
In its figurative sense, "turgid" is often used to criticise writing or speech that is overly complicated or inflated. The opposite would be modest, simple, or unpretentious, especially in tone. Among the options, "humble" suggests modesty and lack of arrogance, which fits well as the opposite of pompous or overblown. The other options—"bloated," "puffy," and "tumescent"—all describe forms of swelling, and are therefore similar to the literal sense of "turgid," not opposite.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Fix in mind the main exam sense of "turgid": swollen or pompous, especially when describing speech or writing. Step 2: Look for an option that implies modesty or lack of inflated style. Step 3: Recognise that "humble" means modest, not proud, and not overblown. Step 4: Note that "bloated," "puffy," and "tumescent" are all synonyms or near synonyms of swollen, aligning with the literal sense of "turgid." Step 5: Choose "Humble" as the antonym that best expresses the opposite tone.


Verification / Alternative check:
Consider usage in a sentence: "The professor's turgid lecture bored the students," meaning it was pompous and overcomplicated. An opposite sentence might be "The professor's humble, simple lecture engaged the students," where "humble" suggests a straightforward, unpretentious style. Using "bloated," "puffy," or "tumescent" in place of "turgid" would not reverse the meaning; instead, they would preserve or reinforce the idea of swelling. This confirms that "Humble" is the correct antonym in the context of language and behaviour.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Bloated: Means swollen or puffed up, often physically; similar to turgid, not opposite.
  • Puffy: Also means swollen or inflated, especially with air or fluid; again similar in imagery.
  • Tumescent: Means swollen or becoming swollen; very close in meaning to "turgid."


Common Pitfalls:
A typical trap is to focus only on physical meanings and choose one of the other "swollen" synonyms, forgetting that the question requires an antonym. It is also easy to miss the figurative use of "turgid" in contexts like "turgid prose" or "turgid speech," where the concern is overblown style, not physical swelling. In many exam questions, "turgid" is used in this figurative sense, and "humble" or "simple" type words will be the best opposites.


Final Answer:
The word opposite in meaning to "Turgid" is Humble.

More Questions from English

Discussion & Comments

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