Basic Details
Word: Paucity
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A small amount of something; the presence of something in insufficient quantities.
Synonyms: Scarcity, deficiency, shortage
Antonyms: Abundance, plenty, wealth
Idioms and Phrases
- Paucity of options: Referring to not having many choices available. Example: "With a paucity of options for lunch, we decided to eat at the caf nearby."
- Paucity in resources: Indicating a lack of necessary things or funds. Example: "The school faced a paucity in resources, making it difficult to run new programmes."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The report highlighted the paucity of clean drinking water in some communities.
Example 2: Due to the paucity of volunteers, the event had to be cancelled.
Example 3: Although there was a paucity of evidence, the detective continued her investigation.
Fun Fact
The word "paucity" comes from the Latin word "paucitas," meaning "fewness," and it has been used in English since the early 17th century.
Famous Quote
"The true measure of a man is what he would do if he knew he would never be caught." Lord Tennyson, highlighting how a paucity of moral integrity can lead to poor character.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "paucity" mean?
a) A large quantity
b) A small amount
c) An overwhelming number
d) A perfect balance
Answer: b) A small amount
2. Which of these is a synonym of "paucity"?
a) Abundance
b) Scarcity
c) Wealth
d) Plenty
Answer: b) Scarcity
3. Which of the following is an antonym of "paucity"?
a) Shortage
b) Deficiency
c) Abundance
d) Lack
Answer: c) Abundance
4. Which sentence uses "paucity" correctly?
a) There was a paucity of food on the table at the feast.
b) The paucity of the audience made the concert enjoyable.
c) She was pleased with the paucity of gifts she received.
d) There was a paucity of rain, leading to a beautiful sunny day.
Answer: a) There was a paucity of food on the table at the feast.
5. Which idiom means there are not many choices available?
a) Paucity of options
b) A plethora of choices
c) A big fish in a small pond
d) Every cloud has a silver lining
Answer: a) Paucity of options
