Choose the correct antonym of the following word:
FURTHERANCE
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Retraction
- Furtherance means the act of helping something to move forward, advance or develop.
Example: He used the money for the furtherance of his research. - Retraction means the act of drawing something back or taking something back (a statement, a claim or a part of the body). Moving forward and drawing back are opposite ideas, so retraction is the antonym among the options.
- Root line: furtherance is built on further (more forward), while retraction comes from the Latin re- (back) + trahere (to draw); one moves forward, the other draws back.
Example: The newspaper printed a retraction of the false report.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: Dominance — Incorrect. Dominance means power or control over others; it has nothing to do with moving something forward or back.
Example: The team kept its dominance throughout the season.
Option 3: Benevolence — Incorrect. Benevolence means kindness and goodwill towards others.
Example: The old man was known for his benevolence towards the poor.
Option 4: Influence — Incorrect. Influence means the power to affect someone or something; it is not the opposite of helping something advance.
Example: Teachers have a strong influence on their students.
The following words have also been asked in other CUET (UG) English papers:
| Word | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| retraction | – | 03-06 S1 | – | – | – |
| benevolence | 12-05 S2 | – | – | 02-06 S1 06-06 S1 08-06 S1 | – |