Spell Bee Word: bleak

Basic Details

Word: Bleak

Part of Speech: Adjective

Meaning: Lacking warmth, life, or kindness; grim and desolate.

Synonyms: Dismal, dreary, stark

Antonyms: Cheerful, bright, sunny

Idioms and Phrases

  1. A bleak outlook: Used to describe a situation that seems hopeless. Example: "The weather forecast predicts a bleak outlook for the weekend, with heavy rain expected."
  2. Bearing a bleak burden: To carry a heavy weight of sadness or difficulty. Example: "After losing the match, he was bearing a bleak burden but knew he could try again."

Usage Examples

Example 1: The bleak landscape after the winter storm looked empty and cold.

Example 2: Despite the bleak news, the community came together to support each other.

Example 3: The author wrote a story set in a bleak city where hope was hard to find.

Fun Fact

Did you know that the word "bleak" comes from the Old Norse word "blakkr," meaning "light-coloured" or "white"? Over time, it evolved to describe something that is devoid of life or warmth.

Famous Quote

"The future is bleak for those who do not dream." Anonymous

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. What does "bleak" mean?

a) Colourful and bright
b) Happy and joyful
c) Lacking warmth and life
d) Soft and comfortable

Answer: c) Lacking warmth and life

2. Which of these is a synonym of "bleak"?

a) Cheerful
b) Dismal
c) Colourful
d) Joyful

Answer: b) Dismal

3. Which sentence uses "bleak" correctly?

a) The cheerful child skipped down the street.
b) They found the bleak room uninviting and cold.
c) The flowers bloomed beautifully in the garden.
d) The sun shone brightly overhead.

Answer: b) They found the bleak room uninviting and cold.

4. Which idiom means that a situation looks hopeless?

a) A bright idea
b) A bleak outlook
c) A piece of cake
d) A walk in the park

Answer: b) A bleak outlook

5. What is the opposite of "bleak"?

a) Dismal
b) Stark
c) Cheerful
d) Dreary

Answer: c) Cheerful

Associated Words

How to participate in CREST International Spell Bee

The CREST International Spell Bee (CSB) is conducted in two editions – CREST International Spell Bee - Summer (CSB) and CREST International Spell Bee - Winter (CSBW) – giving students across the globe an opportunity to showcase and enhance their spelling proficiency. Designed for young learners from Grades 1 to 8, the competition focuses on word-building, pronunciation, and vocabulary enrichment, helping students develop strong linguistic skills.

Steps to Participate:

Step 1: Visit the registration page and complete the registration with your desired subject.

Step 2: After Registration done, do login at www.crestolympiads.com/login.

Step 3: After login, got to dashboard and click on Book slot/Take Exam

Step 4: Schedule your exam date and preferred time.

Step 5: Log in with your credentials on the exam day at the scheduled time and take the exam.

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