Basic Details
Word: Oppressive
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Making someone feel uncomfortable, restricted, or weighed down, often due to harsh conditions or rules.
Synonyms: Burdensome, stifling, tyrannical
Antonyms: Liberating, freeing, comforting
Idioms and Phrases
- Oppressive heat: Used to describe extremely hot weather that makes it uncomfortable to be outside. Example: "The oppressive heat of the summer afternoon made everyone seek shade."
- Live under an oppressive regime: To be governed by harsh or cruel rules. Example: "The people lived under an oppressive regime that limited their freedom."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The oppressive silence in the room made everyone feel uneasy during the announcement.
Example 2: The oppressive rules at school made the students feel like they had no freedom to express themselves.
Example 3: After the oppressive exercise class, I felt both tired and relieved to finally sit down.
Fun Fact
The word "oppressive" comes from the Latin word "opprimere," which means "to press down." It captures the feeling of being weighed down by something heavy, whether it’s a physical burden or harsh conditions.
Famous Quote
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." - Edmund Burke, highlighting how oppressive conditions can go unchallenged if people remain passive.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "oppressive" mean?
a) Light and airy
b) Making someone feel uncomfortable
c) Freeing and welcoming
d) Bright and cheerful
Answer: b) Making someone feel uncomfortable
2. Which of these is a synonym of "oppressive"?
a) Burdensome
b) Cheerful
c) Refreshing
d) Comfortable
Answer: a) Burdensome
3. What is an antonym of "oppressive"?
a) Tyrannical
b) Stifling
c) Liberating
d) Heavy
Answer: c) Liberating
4. Which sentence uses "oppressive" correctly?
a) The oppressive wind made it hard to fly a kite.
b) She wore an oppressive dress to the party.
c) The oppressive rules at school made the students unhappy.
d) The oppressive cake was very sweet.
Answer: c) The oppressive rules at school made the students unhappy.
5. Which idiom means the same as "oppressive heat"?
a) Cold as ice
b) Walking on sunshine
c) Under a heavy burden
d) Feeling the heat
Answer: c) Under a heavy burden
