Basic Details
Word: Dilemma
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A situation where a difficult choice must be made between two or more options.
Synonyms: Quandary, predicament, crisis
Antonyms: Solution, resolution
Idioms and Phrases
- Between a rock and a hard place: This expression is used when someone is faced with two difficult choices. Example: "When she had to choose between her job and taking care of her sick parent, she felt stuck between a rock and a hard place."
- Stuck in a pickle: Used when someone finds themselves in a challenging situation with no easy way out. Example: "I was stuck in a pickle when I accidentally spilled juice on my friend's new dress."
Usage Examples
Example 1: Jamie faced a dilemma when deciding whether to go to the party or study for her important exam.
Example 2: The coach was in a dilemma about which players to select for the match.
Example 3: The animal shelter found themselves in a dilemma when too many pets were brought in, and they had to decide which ones could be saved.
Fun Fact
The word "dilemma" comes from the Greek word "dilemma," which means "double proposition." It has been used in English since the early 16th century to describe situations requiring tough choices.
Famous Quote
"In every dilemma, there is a crucial decision, and the courage to choose wisely." - Unknown
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "dilemma" mean?
a) A clear solution
b) A difficult choice
c) An easy task
d) A form of entertainment
Answer: b) A difficult choice
2. Which of these is a synonym of "dilemma"?
a) Joy
b) Quandary
c) Celebration
d) Agreement
Answer: b) Quandary
3. What is the opposite of "dilemma"?
a) Fear
b) Solution
c) Challenge
d) Obstacle
Answer: b) Solution
4. Which sentence uses "dilemma" correctly?
a) She faced a dilemma when she won the lottery.
b) He felt a dilemma when he had to choose a book to read.
c) They found themselves in a dilemma about which restaurant to choose for dinner.
d) The game posed a dilemma with too many easy levels to choose from.
Answer: c) They found themselves in a dilemma about which restaurant to choose for dinner.
5. Which idiom means being faced with a tricky choice?
a) Stuck in a pickle
b) Jumping for joy
c) Running in circles
d) Catching some rays
Answer: a) Stuck in a pickle
