Basic Details
Word: Devastating
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Causing great damage or distress; extremely harmful.
Synonyms: Destructive, overwhelming, crushing
Antonyms: Constructive, helpful, beneficial
Idioms and Phrases
- Devastating blow: A serious shock or disappointment. Example: "The news of the school's closure was a devastating blow to the students."
- Devastated by grief: Overwhelmed by sadness or sorrow. Example: "She was devastated by grief when her pet dog passed away."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The hurricane caused devastating damage to the coastal towns, leaving many residents homeless.
Example 2: After the devastating loss in the championship game, the team vowed to train harder next season.
Example 3: The charity organisation has stepped in to help those affected by the devastating floods last month.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the word "devastate" comes from the Latin word "devastare," meaning "to lay waste" or "to destroy completely"? It was first recorded in the English language in the early 1600s.
Famous Quote
"Devastating the world around us is easy; it is restoring the beauty we destroyed that requires effort." - Unknown
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "devastating" mean?
a) Causing joy
b) Causing great damage or distress
c) Making something larger
d) Helping someone out
Answer: b) Causing great damage or distress
2. Which of these is a synonym of "devastating"?
a) Helpful
b) Destructive
c) Strengthening
d) Satisfying
Answer: b) Destructive
3. Which of the following is an antonym of "devastating"?
a) Crushing
b) Overwhelming
c) Beneficial
d) Destructive
Answer: c) Beneficial
4. Which sentence uses "devastating" correctly?
a) The news about the game was devastating for the players.
b) The park was devastating with flowers in spring.
c) The cake was devastatingly tasty.
d) The dog was devastating at the playground.
Answer: a) The news about the game was devastating for the players.
5. Which idiom means a serious shock or disappointment related to "devastating"?
a) Devastated by grief
b) Devastating blow
c) A storm in a teacup
d) On cloud nine
Answer: b) Devastating blow
