Basic Details
Word: Restive
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Unable to stay still or calm, often due to impatience or anxiety.
Synonyms: Fidgety, restless, uneasy
Antonyms: Calm, peaceful, relaxed
Idioms and Phrases
- Restive spirit: A person who has difficulty in being controlled or who cannot easily follow rules. Example: "Her restive spirit meant she often challenged authority at school."
- Restive night: A night where one cannot sleep peacefully. Example: "After drinking too much coffee, he had a restive night, tossing and turning in bed."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The restive students were eager to break for lunch after hours of sitting quietly in class.
Example 2: The dog became restive during the long car journey, wanting to move around and explore.
Example 3: As the clock ticked down to the end of the exam, the restive candidates shifted in their seats.
Fun Fact
The word "restive" actually comes from the Latin word "restare," meaning "to remain still." However, the meaning has shifted over time to describe someone who cannot stay still!
Famous Quote
"Restlessness is discontent, and discontent is the first necessity of progress." Thomas Edison
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "restive" mean?
a) Calm and peaceful
b) Unable to stay still or calm
c) Very quiet and shy
d) Sleepy and tired
Answer: b) Unable to stay still or calm
2. Which of these is a synonym of "restive"?
a) Relaxed
b) Fidgety
c) Calm
d) Happy
Answer: b) Fidgety
3. Which word is an antonym of "restive"?
a) Uneasy
b) Peaceful
c) Nervous
d) Agitated
Answer: b) Peaceful
4. Which sentence uses "restive" correctly?
a) The restive crowd sat quietly during the speech.
b) The restive puppy wanted to play and not sleep.
c) She had a restive afternoon watching her favourite show.
d) The restive river flowed gently down the valley.
Answer: b) The restive puppy wanted to play and not sleep.
5. Which idiom relates to "restive"?
a) Restive spirit
b) Caught between a rock and a hard place
c) As easy as pie
d) Keeping a stiff upper lip
Answer: a) Restive spirit
