Basic Details
Word: Escalate
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To increase or make something grow bigger, often in intensity or seriousness.
Synonyms: Intensify, increase, mount
Antonyms: Decrease, lessen, reduce
Idioms and Phrases
- Escalate tensions: To make a conflict or disagreement more severe. Example: "The disagreement between the two teams began to escalate tensions during the match."
- Escalate to a crisis: To develop into a major problem or emergency. Example: "If this issue is not addressed soon, it could escalate to a crisis."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The discussion about the new rules began peacefully, but quickly escalated into a heated argument.
Example 2: The company decided to escalate the marketing campaign to reach more customers.
Example 3: When the weather forecast predicted storms, they warned the public that conditions might escalate to dangerous levels.
Fun Fact
The word "escalate" originates from the Latin word "scala," which means "ladder." This reflects the idea of climbing up or increasing in intensity.
Famous Quote
"It's not the load that breaks you down, it's the way you carry it." Lou Holtz - This highlights how escalating stress can be more damaging than the stress itself.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "escalate" mean?
a) To make smaller
b) To increase in intensity
c) To stay the same
d) To stop completely
Answer: b) To increase in intensity
2. Which of these is a synonym of "escalate"?
a) Decrease
b) Intensify
c) Control
d) Simplify
Answer: b) Intensify
3. What is an antonym of "escalate"?
a) Increase
b) Reduce
c) Collect
d) Grow
Answer: b) Reduce
4. Which sentence uses "escalate" correctly?
a) The flowers began to escalate in the garden.
b) If we ignore the problem, it may escalate further.
c) The cat decided to escalate the mouse.
d) The book will escalate tonight on the shelf.
Answer: b) If we ignore the problem, it may escalate further.
5. Which idiom relates to the concept of "escalate"?
a) Escalate tensions
b) Best of both worlds
c) It's a piece of cake
d) Cut to the chase
Answer: a) Escalate tensions
