Choose the correct antonym (opposite) of the word “Ancient”:

Appeared in: RML MAINS 2025

Explanation

The question asks for the antonym (opposite) of the word 'Ancient'.
'Ancient' refers to something from the very distant past.
'Modern' refers to something from the present or recent times, making it the direct opposite of 'Ancient'.
An antonym is a word that has the exact opposite meaning of another word.

Option A: 'Old' is a synonym for 'Ancient', not an antonym. It describes something that has existed for a long time.
Option B: 'Antique' refers to an old object, often with value, making it similar in meaning to 'Ancient', not opposite.
Option D: 'Primitive' relates to an early stage of development, a concept closely related to 'Ancient', not its opposite.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Antonyms in English Vocabulary as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Precise communication is crucial in nursing. Understanding nuances like synonyms and antonyms helps in accurate documentation and clear patient education.
For example, describing a patient's pain as 'acute' vs. 'chronic' uses an understanding of time-based opposites, similar to 'modern' vs. 'ancient'.
What if? If a nurse documented a wound as 'chronic' when it was 'acute', it could lead to an incorrect plan of care, highlighting the importance of using the right descriptive terms.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core meaning of the given word: 'Ancient' means belonging to the very distant past.
Next, understand the task: The question asks for an 'antonym,' which means a word with the opposite meaning.
Evaluate each option against the core meaning of 'Ancient'.
Option A ('Old') and B ('Antique') are similar to 'Ancient'. Option D ('Primitive') is also related to the early past. Eliminate these as they are not opposites.
Option C ('Modern') means relating to the present or recent times, which is the direct opposite of the distant past. This is the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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