Basic Details
Word: Curtail
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To reduce or limit something.
Synonyms: Reduce, cut back, diminish
Antonyms: Expand, increase, extend
Idioms and Phrases
- Curtailed conversation: A discussion that is cut short or limited. Example: "Their meeting was a curtailed conversation about the upcoming event."
- Curtailed plans: Plans that have been reduced or limited in scope. Example: "Due to the rain, they had to settle for curtailed plans for the picnic."
Usage Examples
Example 1: To save money, the school decided to curtail some of its extracurricular activities this year.
Example 2: The government plans to curtail spending in order to balance the budget.
Example 3: We had to curtail our trip because of unexpected car trouble.
Fun Fact
The word "curtail" comes from the Old French word "curtailler," which means "to cut short. This relates to the idea of shortening or limiting something.
Famous Quote
"We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives." - John F. Kennedy. This quote implies the importance of not curtailing our gratitude towards those who help us.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "curtail" mean?
a) To increase
b) To reduce or limit
c) To decorate
d) To create
Answer: b) To reduce or limit
2. Which of these is a synonym of "curtail"?
a) Increase
b) Extend
c) Cut back
d) Enlarge
Answer: c) Cut back
3. Which of the following is an antonym of "curtail"?
a) Reduce
b) Limit
c) Expand
d) Diminish
Answer: c) Expand
4. Which sentence uses "curtail" correctly?
a) The teacher decided to curtail the lesson so every student could understand.
b) She will curtail her hair to make it grow faster.
c) He used to curtail in the race to finish first.
d) We curtail to play soccer every weekend.
Answer: a) The teacher decided to curtail the lesson so every student could understand.
5. Which idiom relates to "curtail"?
a) Curtailed plans
b) Growing interest
c) Big dreams
d) High hopes
Answer: a) Curtailed plans
