Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Extraordinary
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This question tests basic vocabulary and knowledge of antonyms in English. The word given is MUNDANE, and you are asked to choose its opposite meaning from the options. Such questions appear frequently in competitive exams and help assess word power and nuance of meaning.
Given Data / Assumptions:
1) The target word is Mundane.
2) The options are Extraordinary, Regular, Visionary, and Routine.
3) You must select the word that is closest to the opposite meaning of Mundane in typical exam contexts.
4) We assume standard dictionary definitions and common exam practice.
Concept / Approach:
Mundane usually has two related meanings. First, it can mean ordinary, dull, and lacking excitement. Second, in some contexts, it can mean worldly or related to everyday life, as opposed to spiritual. In exam style antonym questions, the focus is usually on the meaning ordinary or dull. Therefore, we look for an option that expresses something special, remarkable, or out of the ordinary to form a strong opposite.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Define Mundane in simple language. It refers to something that is common, routine, or boring because it is seen every day without anything special.
Step 2: Check each option. Extraordinary means very unusual, remarkable, or far from ordinary.
Step 3: Regular means happening again and again at fixed times, which is very close to routine and therefore close to the idea of mundane rather than opposite to it.
Step 4: Visionary relates to having strong imagination about the future or being inspired, which does not directly contrast with the idea of everyday and ordinary.
Step 5: Routine is almost a synonym of mundane in the sense of everyday and repetitive.
Step 6: Therefore, the best opposite of mundane, in the sense of not ordinary, is Extraordinary.
Verification / Alternative check:
Use example sentences. A mundane task is washing dishes every day, while an extraordinary event may be winning a major award. When we talk about a mundane story, we mean a story that is not special. If we call something extraordinary, we mean it is highly special or outstanding. This confirms the opposite relationship. Regular and Routine can be substituted for mundane in many sentences, so they clearly cannot be antonyms.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Regular and Routine are near synonyms of mundane in the context of daily life and repeated activities, not opposites. Visionary is positive and imaginative but not an obvious direct opposite of mundane in common exam patterns. The clearest contrast in level of interest or excitement is between Mundane and Extraordinary.
Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to be attracted by more complex or rare words like Visionary because they sound impressive. However, antonym questions are about opposite meanings, not about rare sounding vocabulary. Always anchor your choice on the real meaning of the target word and the most direct opposite among the options.
Final Answer:
The correct antonym of Mundane in this question is Extraordinary.
Discussion & Comments