Basic Details
Word: Efficient
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Able to do something effectively without wasting time or resources.
Synonyms: Effective, competent, productive
Antonyms: Inefficient, wasteful, unproductive
Idioms and Phrases
- Work smarter, not harder: This means to find ways to be more efficient in your work. Example: "He always tries to work smarter, not harder, to finish his projects quickly."
- Run like a well-oiled machine: Refers to a process that operates very smoothly and efficiently. Example: "The team ran like a well-oiled machine, completing the task in half the time."
Usage Examples
Example 1: By using a new software program, the company became more efficient in processing orders.
Example 2: She is an efficient student who always completes her homework on time.
Example 3: The efficient use of time helped the team meet their project deadline with ease.
Fun Fact
The word "efficient" comes from the Latin word "efficiens", which means 'doing' or 'accomplishing'. This highlights the focus on productivity and effectiveness in performing tasks.
Famous Quote
"Efficiency is doing better what is already being done." Peter Drucker
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "efficient" mean?
a) Slow and clumsy
b) Able to do something without wasting time or resources
c) Doing things incorrectly
d) Making things more complicated
Answer: b) Able to do something without wasting time or resources
2. Which of these is a synonym of "efficient"?
a) Unproductive
b) Effective
c) Wasteful
d) Clumsy
Answer: b) Effective
3. Which word is an antonym of "efficient"?
a) Skillful
b) Competent
c) Inefficient
d) Productive
Answer: c) Inefficient
4. Which sentence uses "efficient" correctly?
a) She was very efficient in finishing her homework quickly.
b) He was inefficient when he ran a marathon.
c) The tree grew efficiently in the garden.
d) They were inefficient in making a good sandwich.
Answer: a) She was very efficient in finishing her homework quickly.
5. What does the idiom "work smarter, not harder" mean?
a) To work less efficiently
b) To always take a break
c) To find effective ways to accomplish tasks
d) To compete with others
Answer: c) To find effective ways to accomplish tasks
