Basic Details
Word: Premature
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Happening or appearing before the usual or expected time.
Synonyms: Early, untimely
Antonyms: Late, overdue
Idioms and Phrases
- Jump the gun: To act too soon before the right moment. Example: "He jumped the gun by announcing his birthday surprise weeks early!"
- Put the cart before the horse: To do things in the wrong order. Example: "If you start celebrating before the game is over, you're putting the cart before the horse."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The doctor advised against the premature celebration of the baby's arrival.
Example 2: She felt that her promotion was premature since she had only been in the job for three months.
Example 3: The gardener's premature planting of the seeds resulted in the plants wilting due to frost.
Fun Fact
The word "premature" originates from the Latin word "praematurus," where "prae-" means "before" and "maturus" means "ripe," which literally indicates something that happens before it is fully developed or ready.
Famous Quote
"There is nothing more fatal than the premature conclusion." Thomas Godwin
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "premature" mean?
a) Occurring at the right time
b) Happening too soon
c) Happening late
d) None of the above
Answer: b) Happening too soon
2. Which of these is a synonym of "premature"?
a) Late
b) Untimely
c) Delayed
d) Mature
Answer: b) Untimely
3. Which of the following is an antonym of "premature"?
a) Early
b) Timely
c) Fast
d) Quick
Answer: b) Timely
4. Which sentence uses "premature" correctly?
a) The premature flower bloomed in winter.
b) The project was postponed due to premature decisions.
c) She made a premature cake for the bake sale.
d) They had a premature puppy as a pet.
Answer: b) The project was postponed due to premature decisions.
5. Which idiom suggests acting too soon and is related to "premature"?
a) Jump the gun
b) A stitch in time saves nine
c) In the same boat
d) The ball is in your court
Answer: a) Jump the gun
