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
- 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."
- 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
