Basic Details
Word: Anticlimax
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A disappointing end or result that is much less exciting than what was expected.
Synonyms: Disappointment, letdown
Antonyms: Climax, peak
Idioms and Phrases
- Build up to an anticlimax: When a lot of excitement is built up but the end is very disappointing. Example: "The movie built up to an anticlimax, leaving the audience feeling unsatisfied."
- A real letdown: Used to describe something that fails to meet expectations. Example: "The final game was a real letdown after all the hype surrounding it."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The story promised a thrilling adventure, but the ending turned out to be an anticlimax, leaving readers puzzled.
Example 2: After waiting all year for the concert, the last song was an anticlimax that broke the audience's excitement.
Example 3: The match was full of tension, but the anticlimax came when the star player got injured in the first minute.
Fun Fact
The term "anticlimax" originated in the 18th century and was used in literature to describe a situation where the conclusion was less significant than the preceding events, creating a sense of irony.
Famous Quote
"The trouble with most of us is that we would rather be ruined by praise than saved by criticism." Norman Vincent Peale
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "anticlimax" mean?
a) An exciting end
b) A disappointing conclusion
c) A thrilling peak
d) A surprising twist
Answer: b) A disappointing conclusion
2. Which of these is a synonym of "anticlimax"?
a) Excitement
b) Disappointment
c) Peak
d) Enthusiasm
Answer: b) Disappointment
3. Which is an antonym of "anticlimax"?
a) Build-up
b) Climax
c) Letdown
d) Lacklustre
Answer: b) Climax
4. Which sentence uses "anticlimax" correctly?
a) The anticlimax was as thrilling as the beginning.
b) The anticlimax left the audience feeling excited.
c) The book seemed to build up to an anticlimax that disappointed the readers.
d) The anticlimax was the best part of the story.
Answer: c) The book seemed to build up to an anticlimax that disappointed the readers.
5. Which idiom means "a disappointing ending"?
a) A real letdown
b) Building castles in the air
c) A silver lining
d) On cloud nine
Answer: a) A real letdown
