Basic Details
Word: Doldrums
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A state of inactivity or stagnation where nothing seems to happen.
Synonyms: Slump, stagnation
Antonyms: Activity, progress
Idioms and Phrases
- In the doldrums: To be in a state of inactivity or low spirits. Example: "After finishing his exams, he felt in the doldrums with nothing to do."
- Out of the doldrums: To escape a state of inactivity and start being productive. Example: "She finally got out of the doldrums and began working on her art projects."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The team seemed to be in the doldrums after losing the championship match, lacking motivation to practice.
Example 2: After a long winter, the arrival of spring helped everyone out of the doldrums and filled them with energy.
Example 3: He realised he had been in the doldrums for months and decided to take up a new hobby to revive his spirits.
Fun Fact
The term "doldrums" originally referred to a specific region near the equator where ships would become stuck due to lack of wind. This led to a feeling of stagnation, which is how the word came to describe a state of inactivity in general.
Famous Quote
"In the midst of movement and chaos, when there is no place to rest but in the mind, we find the true peace, not the doldrums of the reality." - A. D. Smith
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "doldrums" mean?
a) A place with a lot of activity
b) A state of inactivity
c) A type of sport
d) A musical genre
Answer: b) A state of inactivity
2. Which of these is a synonym of "doldrums"?
a) Progress
b) Slump
c) Excitement
d) Movement
Answer: b) Slump
3. Which word is an antonym of "doldrums"?
a) Slump
b) Stagnation
c) Activity
d) Stillness
Answer: c) Activity
4. Which sentence correctly uses "doldrums"?
a) The doldrums helped him read more books.
b) They spent the weekend in the doldrums and watched TV all day.
c) He enjoyed the doldrums during the race.
d) She ran through the doldrums to find her friend.
Answer: b) They spent the weekend in the doldrums and watched TV all day.
5. Which idiom means the same as "doldrums"?
a) Out of the woods
b) In the doldrums
c) The ball is in your court
d) Beat around the bush
Answer: b) In the doldrums
