Basic Details
Word: Backbone
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: The series of small bones that supports the body and helps it stand upright.
Synonyms: Spine, vertebral column
Antonyms: Weakness, cowardice
Idioms and Phrases
- Find your backbone: To become brave or strong enough to stand up for oneself or others. Example: "When he was bullied, he finally found his backbone and reported it to the teacher."
- Break the backbone: To defeat or weaken something significant. Example: "The team's victory broke the backbone of their rivals winning streak."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The backbone plays a crucial role in protecting the spinal cord, which carries messages between the brain and the rest of the body.
Example 2: The animal's backbone was strong, allowing it to run swiftly across the fields.
Example 3: In a company, a strong leadership team acts as the backbone, providing support and direction to all employees.
Fun Fact
Did you know that humans are born with around 33 vertebrae in their spine, but some of these fuse together as we grow up, leaving adults with typically 24 vertebrae?
Famous Quote
"Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will." Mahatma Gandhi
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "backbone" refer to?
a) A type of muscle
b) The series of bones that supports the body
c) A section of the arm
d) A part of the leg
Answer: b) The series of bones that supports the body
2. Which of these is a synonym of "backbone"?
a) Spine
b) Rib
c) Skull
d) Pelvis
Answer: a) Spine
3. Which of the following is an antonym of "backbone"?
a) Strength
b) Cowardice
c) Power
d) Determination
Answer: b) Cowardice
4. Which sentence correctly uses the word "backbone"?
a) He broke his backbone in the accident.
b) The cat climbed the backbone of the tree.
c) She showed her backbone by standing up for her friends.
d) The movie has no backbone.
Answer: c) She showed her backbone by standing up for her friends.
5. What does "find your backbone" mean?
a) To be strong and brave
b) To break something physical
c) To run away from a situation
d) To sit quietly
Answer: a) To be strong and brave
