Out of the four options given, select the word that is opposite in meaning (antonym) to the word “Ensconce”.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Unveil

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This question tests your knowledge of antonyms, specifically for the word “ensconce”. Antonym questions are important in competitive exams because they check whether you understand not just a word's meaning but also its opposite. The word “ensconce” is commonly used in literature and journalism to describe someone being settled or hidden comfortably.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The target word is “Ensconce”.
  • Options are: Establish, Impudence, Request, Unveil.
  • You must select the opposite in meaning.
  • The context is standard exam-level vocabulary.


Concept / Approach:
“Ensconce” means to settle comfortably in a safe, secret or sheltered place, or to hide something securely. An opposite idea would involve revealing or exposing something rather than hiding it. The option “unveil” means to uncover, reveal, or disclose something that was hidden or unknown, which is the closest opposite of “ensconce”.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Recall the meaning of “ensconce”: to hide securely or settle comfortably in a safe place.Check “Establish”: means to set up or found something; not the opposite of hiding or sheltering.Check “Impudence”: means rudeness or disrespect; unrelated to hiding or revealing.Check “Request”: means to ask for something; again, unrelated to the core idea of ensconcing.Check “Unveil”: means to remove a covering or reveal something that was hidden.Thus, “Unveil” directly contrasts with the idea of hiding or sheltering something or someone.


Verification / Alternative check:
Consider a simple sentence: “The statue was ensconced behind thick curtains.” If we replace “ensconced” with its opposite, we might say: “The statue was unveiled before the audience.” Here “unveiled” clearly expresses the opposite of being concealed behind curtains. This confirms that “unveil” is the best antonym among the options.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
“Establish” has no relation to hiding or revealing; it refers to setting up institutions or facts. “Impudence” talks about rude behaviour. “Request” is about asking. None of these carry any notion that contradicts the idea of hiding or sheltering. Therefore, they cannot be considered antonyms of “ensconce”.


Common Pitfalls:
Students might be tempted by “Establish” because both words can appear in formal writing, but their meanings are unrelated. It is important to focus on core meaning, not just register or tone. Pair “ensconce” mentally with “hide” or “settle comfortably” and then look for a word that means “reveal” or “expose”.


Final Answer:
The antonym of “Ensconce” is Unveil.

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