Basic Details
Word: Harmful
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Causing harm or damage; not safe.
Synonyms: Dangerous, detrimental, injurious
Antonyms: Beneficial, helpful, safe
Idioms and Phrases
- Playing with fire: Engaging in risky behaviour that could lead to harm. Example: "Riding his bike without a helmet is like playing with fire."
- Stirring the pot: Causing trouble or creating problems, often unnecessarily. Example: "He enjoys stirring the pot by spreading harmful rumours."
Usage Examples
Example 1: Smoking is harmful to your health and can lead to serious diseases.
Example 2: Using too many chemicals in the garden can be harmful to wildlife.
Example 3: It is harmful to ignore the signs of stress in your body.
Fun Fact
The word "harmful" comes from the Middle English word "harmfull" and is derived from "harm," which has its roots in Old English "hearm," meaning injury or damage.
Famous Quote
"The greatest danger in times of turbulence is not the turbulenceit is to act with yesterday's logic." Peter Drucker
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "harmful" mean?
a) Causing joy
b) Causing harm or damage
c) Making friends
d) Being productive
Answer: b) Causing harm or damage
2. Which of these is a synonym of "harmful"?
a) Beneficial
b) Joyful
c) Dangerous
d) Friendly
Answer: c) Dangerous
3. Which word is an antonym of "harmful"?
a) Detrimental
b) Helpful
c) Injurious
d) Risky
Answer: b) Helpful
4. Which sentence uses "harmful" correctly?
a) The rain was harmful to the plants.
b) The harmful kitten played with yarn.
c) Eating too much sugar can be harmful to your teeth.
d) The happy dog was harmful to everyone.
Answer: c) Eating too much sugar can be harmful to your teeth.
5. Which idiom means engaging in risky behaviour?
a) Stirring the pot
b) Playing with fire
c) In the same boat
d) On cloud nine
Answer: b) Playing with fire
