Choose the correct antonym of the given word from the options given:
Expedite
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → impede
- Expedite means to make a process happen faster. It comes from the Latin ex- (out) + pes, pedis (foot): first "to free the feet".
Example: The office promised to expedite the issue of passports. - Impede means to slow down or block the progress of something. It comes from the Latin in- + pes (foot): "to shackle the feet". Speeding up and holding back are opposites, so impede is the antonym of expedite.
Example: Heavy rain impeded the rescue work.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 2: dethrone — Incorrect. Dethrone means to remove a king or queen from power, or someone from a top position; it has nothing to do with speed.
Example: The young player dethroned the champion.
Option 3: converge — Incorrect. Converge means to come together and meet at one point.
Example: The three roads converge near the bridge.
Option 4: hasten — Incorrect. Hasten means to make something happen sooner; it is a synonym of expedite, not an antonym.
Example: The cold weather hastened his return home.
| Synonyms (Expedite) | Antonyms (Expedite) |
|---|---|
| hasten | impede |
| accelerate | hinder |
| speed up | delay |
| quicken | obstruct |
The following words have also been asked in other CUET (UG) English papers:
| Word | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| expedite | 12-05 S1 07-06 S2 | 02-06 S2 | – | – | – |
| converge | – | – | – | 30-05 S3 | – |
| hasten | 07-06 S2 | – | – | – | – |