Basic Details
Word: Waste
Part of Speech: Noun / Verb
Meaning: Noun: Unwanted or unusable material produced during a process. Verb: To use something carelessly or not efficiently.
Synonyms: Refuse, rubbish, debris (for noun); squander, misuse (for verb)
Antonyms: Resource, treasure, conserve (for noun); utilise, save (for verb)
Idioms and Phrases
- Waste not, want not: If you do not waste something, you will not be in need of it later. Example: "She always finishes her meals because she believes in 'waste not, want not'."
- Waste of space: A person or thing that is considered to be worthless. Example: "He calls his old car a waste of space since it is always breaking down."
Usage Examples
Example 1: We should find a way to recycle our waste to help protect the environment.
Example 2: It was a waste of time to argue over something so unimportant.
Example 3: The garden was full of waste materials that needed to be cleared away before planting new flowers.
Fun Fact
Did you know that in ancient times, people were very creative with waste? The Romans used to recycle glass and even brought sewage out of their cities to avoid waste problems!
Famous Quote
"The greatest danger to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it." Robert Swan
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "waste" mean as a noun?
a) An important resource
b) Unwanted material
c) A type of animal
d) A festive occasion
Answer: b) Unwanted material
2. Which of these is a synonym of "waste" (noun)?
a) Treasure
b) Rubbish
c) Jewel
d) Asset
Answer: b) Rubbish
3. What is an antonym of "waste" (verb)?
a) Squander
b) Utilise
c) Misuse
d) Spend
Answer: b) Utilise
4. Which sentence uses "waste" correctly as a verb?
a) We should waste food to teach a lesson.
b) He decided to waste no time in finishing his homework.
c) The waste was piled high in the corner.
d) The waste is beautiful.
Answer: b) He decided to waste no time in finishing his homework.
5. What does the idiom "waste not, want not" mean?
a) Save everything, never eat
b) If you do not waste, you will not be in need
c) Waste more, want less
d) Always want something
Answer: b) If you do not waste, you will not be in need
