What is the antonym of the word "thrive" as used in the passage?

Appeared in: DSSSB 14 August 2024

Explanation

The word 'thrive' means to grow vigorously, develop well, or be successful.
An antonym is a word that has the opposite meaning of another word.
'Decline' means to become smaller, weaker, or less in quantity, which is the direct opposite of thriving.

Option A: 'Prosper' is a synonym of 'thrive', meaning to be successful, especially financially.
Option B: 'Flourish' is a synonym of 'thrive', meaning to grow or develop in a healthy way.
Option D: 'Succeed' is a synonym of 'thrive', meaning to achieve a desired result.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Vocabulary: Antonyms as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Precise communication is critical in nursing. Understanding antonyms helps in accurately interpreting and documenting patient progress, such as noting whether a patient's condition is improving (thriving) or deteriorating (declining).
Clear vocabulary prevents miscommunication during handovers or when speaking with patients and their families, ensuring everyone understands the patient's status.
What if? If a nurse documents that a post-operative patient is 'thriving' when they are actually showing signs of 'declining' health, it could lead to a delayed medical intervention and poor patient outcomes.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key word in the question, which is 'thrive'.
Next, understand the meaning of 'thrive'. It means to grow, prosper, or be successful.
The question asks for an 'antonym', which is a word with the opposite meaning.
Evaluate each option to see which one means the opposite of growing or being successful.
Options like 'prosper', 'flourish', and 'succeed' are similar in meaning to 'thrive', so they are synonyms.
'Decline' means to become worse or decrease, making it the correct antonym.

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.