Basic Details
Word: Calamity
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A terrible event that causes great harm or suffering.
Synonyms: Disaster, catastrophe, misfortune
Antonyms: Blessing, fortune, success
Idioms and Phrases
- Calamity waits for no one: This means that bad events can happen unexpectedly and you must always be prepared. Example: "We learned that calamity waits for no one, so we should have an emergency plan in place."
- Turning a calamity into an opportunity: This means to make the best out of a bad situation. Example: "After the flood damaged their home, they turned the calamity into an opportunity by redesigning the house to be more beautiful."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The earthquake was a calamity that affected thousands of families, leaving them without homes.
Example 2: When the hurricane struck, it brought a calamity to the coastal towns, causing widespread destruction.
Example 3: Many people believe that calamity can teach important lessons about resilience and courage.
Fun Fact
Interestingly, the word "calamity" comes from the Latin word "calamitas," which means "loss" or "damage." It has been used in English since the 14th century to describe disastrous events.
Famous Quote
"Calamity is the test of integrity." - Samuel Johnson
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "calamity" mean?
a) A great joy
b) A terrible event
c) A type of flower
d) A friendly gathering
Answer: b) A terrible event
2. Which of these is a synonym of "calamity"?
a) Festival
b) Disaster
c) Party
d) Friendship
Answer: b) Disaster
3. Which sentence uses "calamity" correctly?
a) We had a calamity at the picnic when it started to rain.
b) The calamity of the stars was beautiful last night.
c) The sudden calamity caused everyone to panic.
d) She loves a calamity of flowers in her garden.
Answer: c) The sudden calamity caused everyone to panic.
4. What does "turning a calamity into an opportunity" mean?
a) Making a bad situation better
b) Ignoring all problems
c) Giving up on a task
d) Celebrating a disaster
Answer: a) Making a bad situation better
5. What is the opposite of "calamity"?
a) Disaster
b) Blessing
c) Misfortune
d) Catastrophe
Answer: b) Blessing
