Basic Details
Word: Apposition
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A grammatical construction in which two nouns are placed next to each other, with one noun explaining or giving more information about the other.
Synonyms: Juxtaposition, Co-reference
Antonyms: Separation
Idioms and Phrases
- In apposition to: Referring to something that is directly related or relevant to another idea. Example: "His suggestion was in apposition to her original plan for the project."
- Apposition of ideas: Placing two ideas side by side to compare or clarify. Example: "The apposition of ideas in her essay made her argument stronger and clearer."
Usage Examples
Example 1: In the sentence "London, the capital of England, is a bustling city," "the capital of England" is in apposition to "London."
Example 2: The teacher explained apposition by saying, "Your brother, a talented musician, will perform at the concert."
Example 3: The apposition in the phrase "Mr Smith, the gardener, has a beautiful garden" helps clarify who Mr Smith is.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the term "apposition" comes from the Latin word "appositio," which means "to place near"? This reflects how apposition involves placing two nouns close together to give more meaning.
Famous Quote
"Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind." Rudyard Kipling. This quote relates to apposition because it highlights the importance of how words can clarify and enhance our understanding.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "apposition" mean?
a) A way of separating sentences
b) A grammatical construction explaining nouns
c) A form of poetry
d) A technique in drawing
Answer: b) A grammatical construction explaining nouns
2. Which of these is a synonym of "apposition"?
a) Juxtaposition
b) Metaphor
c) Simile
d) Alliteration
Answer: a) Juxtaposition
3. What is the antonym of "apposition"?
a) Unite
b) Combination
c) Separation
d) Addition
Answer: c) Separation
4. Which sentence uses "apposition" correctly?
a) Sarah went to the shop for some milk.
b) The cat, a fluffy grey creature, slept on the windowsill.
c) John quickly completed his homework.
d) The butterfly flew gracefully in the garden.
Answer: b) The cat, a fluffy grey creature, slept on the windowsill.
5. Which idiom means placing two ideas next to each other?
a) In apposition to
b) In the same boat
c) A piece of cake
d) Breaking the ice
Answer: a) In apposition to
