Select the words that are opposite in meaning to the word PLENTIFUL.
(A) Abundant
(B) Scarce
(C) Fertile
(D) Scanty
(E) Ample
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → (B) and (D) only
Plentiful means available in large amounts, more than enough. Example: Mangoes are plentiful in the market in May.
(A) Abundant — Incorrect. Abundant means present in large amounts. It is a synonym of plentiful. Example: Kerala gets abundant rain during the monsoon.
(B) Scarce — Correct. Scarce means not enough and hard to find. It is an antonym of plentiful. Example: Water becomes scarce in our village every summer.
(C) Fertile — Incorrect. Fertile means able to grow many good crops. Example: The fertile soil of Punjab grows wheat and rice.
(D) Scanty — Correct. Scanty means too small in amount, or barely enough. It is an antonym of plentiful. Example: The scanty rainfall this year has worried the farmers.
(E) Ample — Incorrect. Ample means enough or more than enough. It is a synonym of plentiful. Example: There is ample space in the hall for two hundred chairs.