Question

The new office layout was designed to facilitate smooth communication between departments.
(Choose the antonym of the underlined word)

• A. encourage
• B. support
• C. hinder
• D. organize

Hint:

Facilitate means to make something easier, whereas hinder means to create obstacles or make it difficult.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understand the meaning of the underlined word. The word facilitate means to make an activity or process easier, smoother, or more convenient.

Step 2: Interpret the sentence. The sentence states that the new office layout was designed to facilitate smooth communication. This means the layout helps employees communicate more easily and efficiently.

Step 3: Analyse the options.
• (A) encourage -- Incorrect. It means to motivate or promote, which is similar in meaning.
• (B) support -- Incorrect. Supporting also helps or assists something.
• (C) hinder -- Correct. It means to obstruct, delay, or make something difficult, which is the opposite of facilitate.
• (D) organize -- Incorrect. Organizing may help a process rather than oppose it.

Step 4: Final conclusion. \[ \boxed{\text{Facilitate} \longleftrightarrow \text{Hinder}} \] Hence, the correct option is \(\boxed{(C)}\).