Q. Choose the word from the options below that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the given word.
Amalgamate
a) Merge
b) Split
c) Collect
d) Separate
Ans: d
Explanation:
Amalgamate: to join or unite to form a larger organization or group, or to make separate organizations do this.
Example:
The electricians' union is planning to amalgamate with the technicians' union.
The different offices will be amalgamated as/into employment advice centres.
Merge: [ I or T ] to combine or join together, or to cause things to do this.
Example:
They decided to merge the two companies into one.
The country's two biggest banks are planning to merge.
After a while the narrow track merges with a wider path.
Split:
1. [ I or T ] to (cause to) divide into two or more parts, especially along a particular line
Example:
The prize was split between Susan and Kate.
Split the aubergines in half and cover with breadcrumbs.
The teacher split the children (up) into three groups.
informal I'll split (= share) this croissant with you.
His trousers split when he tried to jump the fence.
[ + object + adjective ] The woman had split her head open (= got a long deep wound in her head) when she was thrown off the horse.
2. [ I ] to form cracks
Example:
The wooden floor had cracked and split in the heat.
3. [ I or T ] If the people in an organization or group split, or if something splits them, they disagree and form smaller groups
Example:
The childcare issue has split the employers' group.
The union executive has split down the middle (= divided into two equal-sized groups who disagree with each other) on what to do next.
A group of extremists split (off) from the Labour Party to form a new "Workers' Communist Party".
4. split the difference
If you split the difference, you agree on a number or amount that is exactly in the middle of the difference between two other numbers or amounts.
Collect:
1. to bring or come together from different places or over a period of time.
Example:
A large crowd of reporters collected outside the Prime Minister's house.
After the party I collected (up) twenty bottles from various parts of the house.
We're collecting (money) for the homeless.
These china ornaments just collect dust .
2. to get and keep things of one type such as stamps or coins as a hobby.
Example:
She collects dolls.
So when did you start collecting antique glass?
3. to go to a place and bring someone or something away from it.
Example:
Your shoes will be repaired and ready for you to collect on Thursday.
I'll collect you from the station.
Separate:
1. existing or happening independently or in a different physical space
Example:
The art department and the main college are in two separate buildings.
I try to keep meat separate from other food in the fridge.
I have my public life and my private life, and as far as possible I try to keep them separate.
Three youths have been shot and killed in separate incidents this month.
2. to (cause to) divide into parts.
Example:
The north and south of the country are separated by a mountain range.
You can get a special device for separating egg whites from yolks.
The top and bottom sections are quite difficult to separate
