Q.3
Choose the word from the options given below that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the given word:
Frequency
Options:
(A) periodicity
(B) rarity
(C) gradualness
(D) persistency
Antonym questions sharpen vocabulary skills for competitive exams, requiring you to pick the word most opposite in meaning to “Frequency,” which denotes how often something occurs. The strongest opposite is (B) rarity, capturing infrequency versus commonality.
Why (B) Rarity is the Correct Antonym
Frequency implies regular or repeated occurrence, like signal waves in biology or events in daily life. Rarity directly opposes this by meaning something scarce or seldom happening, a precise match confirmed in standard tests like GATE and CLAT.
Explanation of All Options
Each option varies in relation to frequency—here’s the breakdown:
-
(A) Periodicity
Refers to regular intervals of recurrence, akin to frequency in cycles (e.g., biological rhythms). It’s a synonym, not opposite. -
(B) Rarity
Means uncommonness or scarcity, directly contrasting frequent events. Ideal for contexts like rare mutations in genetics. -
(C) Gradualness
Describes slow progression, unrelated to occurrence rate. No oppositional link to frequency. -
(D) Persistency
Implies steady continuation, somewhat related but not opposite—persistence can align with high frequency.
Quick Comparison Table
| Option | Word | Meaning Relation to Frequency | Is Antonym? |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Periodicity | Synonym (regular repetition) | No |
| B | Rarity | Opposite (infrequency) | Yes |
| C | Gradualness | Unrelated (slowness) | No |
| D | Persistency | Related (continuance) | No |
Practice with biotech examples, like gene expression frequency versus rare alleles, to master these for exams.
