Basic Details
Word: Tributary
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A smaller river or stream that flows into a larger river.
Synonyms: Stream, creek, riverlet
Antonyms: Main river, primary river
Idioms and Phrases
- Tributary of knowledge: Referring to various sources that contribute to someone's understanding. Example: "Reading from different books is a tributary of knowledge for students."
- A tributary route: A path that leads to a larger one, often used metaphorically. Example: "His career took a tributary route that eventually led him to success."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The River Thames has many tributaries that enhance its flow and beauty.
Example 2: We followed a small tributary on our hike and discovered a lovely waterfall.
Example 3: Many tributaries in the region are important for irrigation and wildlife habitats.
Fun Fact
Did you know that some tributaries can be so small that they are only seasonal, appearing during the rainy months and disappearing when the weather is dry?
Famous Quote
"Rivers are roads which move, and which carry us whither we wish to go." Blaise Pascal
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "tributary" mean?
a) A large lake
b) A smaller river that flows into a larger one
c) A type of animal
d) A mountain
Answer: b) A smaller river that flows into a larger one
2. Which of these is a synonym of "tributary"?
a) Ocean
b) Stream
c) Waterfall
d) Canal
Answer: b) Stream
3. Which is an antonym of "tributary"?
a) Riverlet
b) Main river
c) Creek
d) Bay
Answer: b) Main river
4. Which sentence uses "tributary" correctly?
a) The tributary danced in the wind.
b) The tributary joined the larger river to help it flow.
c) The tributary sang a beautiful song.
d) The tributary was as large as a lake.
Answer: b) The tributary joined the larger river to help it flow.
5. Which idiom refers to a source of learning or information?
a) Tributary route
b) Tributary of knowledge
c) As clear as mud
d) A drop in the ocean
Answer: b) Tributary of knowledge
