Question

Select the antonym of the word expedite.

• A. Delay
• B. Complete
• C. Improve
• D. Accelerate

Hint:

When looking for antonyms, be careful not to accidentally select a synonym, as synonyms are often included as distractors.
In this question, "accelerate" is a strong synonym designed to test your focus.
Always read all four choices carefully before making your final selection.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This problem asks for an antonym, which means we must find a word with the exact opposite definition of the provided word. Examining the etymology reveals its literal action, making it simple to determine its opposite behavioral trait.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's look at the origin of the word expedite: - It comes from the Latin compound "ex-" (out) + "pes / pedis" (foot). - Literally, it means to "free a foot that is caught or entangled in a snare," allowing a person or animal to run quickly without restriction. In everyday English, to expedite means to speed up a process, make an action happen sooner, or clear away obstacles so progress can accelerate. Since the core meaning is to speed up, the exact opposite action is to slow down, obstruct, or hold back progress. - "Delay" (Option A) means to postpone, slow down, or defer an action, making it the perfect antonym. - "Accelerate" (Option D) is a direct synonym, not an antonym. - "Complete" (Option B) means to finish, and "Improve" (Option C) means to make better, neither of which represent structural opposites.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The antonym of the word expedite is Delay.