Basic Details
Word: Grapple
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To struggle or fight with someone, or to try to understand or deal with a difficult problem.
Synonyms: Wrestle, struggle, tackle
Antonyms: Avoid, surrender, ignore
Idioms and Phrases
- Grapple with something: To try to solve a difficult problem. Example: "She had to grapple with her fears before giving the speech."
- Grapple in the dark: To try to understand something without clear information. Example: "During the meeting, I felt like I was grappling in the dark about the project plans."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The athletes were grappling with each other on the mat during the wrestling match.
Example 2: He had to grapple with the math problem for hours before he finally figured it out.
Example 3: The community is grappling with the best way to improve local parks and recreation areas.
Fun Fact
The word "grapple" has its roots in the Old French word "grappler," which means "to seize" or "to grasp," highlighting its connection to physical struggle and holding on tightly.
Famous Quote
"It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change." Charles Darwin (This reflects the idea of grappling with challenges to adapt and survive.)
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "grapple" mean?
a) To run away from a problem
b) To struggle with or try to understand something
c) To sit quietly
d) To jump over an obstacle
Answer: b) To struggle with or try to understand something
2. Which of these is a synonym of "grapple"?
a) Ignore
b) Wrestle
c) Float
d) Sing
Answer: b) Wrestle
3. What is an antonym of "grapple"?
a) Fight
b) Tackle
c) Surrender
d) Strive
Answer: c) Surrender
4. Which sentence uses "grapple" correctly?
a) She decided to grapple too many cookies.
b) The students grappled with the new project all week.
c) They grappled the bike down the hill.
d) He was grappling to the store.
Answer: b) The students grappled with the new project all week.
5. What does the phrase grapple with something mean?
a) To completely understand it
b) To struggle or try to solve it
c) To avoid it
d) To share it
Answer: b) To struggle or try to solve it
