Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the given word. Profuse

Appeared in: DSSSB 14 August 2024

Explanation

The word 'Profuse' means plentiful, abundant, or existing in large amounts.
The word 'Sparse' means thinly dispersed, scattered, or present in small, inadequate amounts.
As 'Sparse' denotes a small quantity and 'Profuse' denotes a large quantity, they are direct antonyms.

Option A: This word relates to behavior or personality (a tendency to agree or obey) and has no connection to the concept of quantity or abundance.
Option C: This word is a synonym for 'Profuse', not an antonym. Both words mean 'plentiful' or 'in large quantities'.
Option D: This word primarily describes a state of unhappiness or a mood disorder. While it can sometimes mean 'lowered in activity', it is not the direct and standard antonym for 'Profuse' in the context of quantity.

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.
While this is a general English question, a strong vocabulary is crucial for nurses to ensure clear and precise communication with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals.
Accurate understanding of descriptive words is essential for documentation. For example, describing wound drainage as 'profuse' versus 'scant' (a synonym for sparse) has significant clinical implications.
What if? If a nurse documents 'profuse bleeding' when it is actually 'sparse', it could lead to unnecessary and potentially harmful interventions. Conversely, under-reporting the amount of bleeding could delay critical care.

How to Approach the Question

First, define the given word, 'Profuse'. Understand that it means 'a lot of something' or 'plentiful'.
Next, analyze the question's requirement, which is to find the ANTONYM, or the word with the opposite meaning.
Examine each option and define it. 'Compliant' (obedient), 'Sparse' (scant), 'Abundant' (plentiful), 'Depressed' (sad).
Compare the meaning of each option to the meaning of 'Profuse'.
Identify that 'Abundant' is a synonym (same meaning).
Eliminate unrelated words like 'Compliant' and 'Depressed'.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full DSSSB 14 August 2024

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.