Own definition Ans: Antonyms Ans: MEDDLE Synonyms Ans: MEDDLE LEARNING TASK 7: Give your own definition of the word in focus. Then, give examples of words that have similar meanings (SYNONYMS) and words that have the opposite meaning of the given word (ANTONYMS): Example: What is it? Own Definition Answer: (What you do when you interfere in someone else’s business without being asked) SYNONYMS: Interfere, Intrude, Intervene ANTONYMS: Mind your own business, Stay out PLEA What is it? Own Definition Answer: (A sincere request or appeal) SYNONYMS: Appeal, Request, Petition ANTONYMS: Demand, Command MEDDLE Sources: PIVOT 44 Learner’s Material “A Note on African Literature” Voyages in Communication Learner’s Material, page
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
MEDDLE
What is it?
Own Definition Answer:
(Meddling is when you get involved in someone else’s problems, tasks, or private matters without being asked, often causing more harm than good.)
SYNONYMS:
Interfere, Intrude, Intervene, Pry
ANTONYMS:
Mind your own business, Avoid, Ignore, Respect boundaries
Explanation
The word meddle refers to the act of involving oneself in matters that do not concern you, especially in a way that is unwanted or unnecessary. When someone meddles, they interfere in someone else’s situation without permission. This behavior is often seen as negative because it can lead to conflict, misunderstandings, or added problems. Meddling usually shows a lack of respect for other people’s privacy and decisions.
For example, if a person tries to tell two friends how to solve an argument even though they were not invited into the discussion, that person is meddling. Another example is when someone looks through another person’s belongings without consent — this is also considered meddling.
Words that are similar in meaning (synonyms) include interfere, which means to get involved in something that is not your concern; intrude, which suggests entering a place or situation without welcome; and intervene, which means to come between parties, although this can sometimes have a more neutral or even positive tone depending on context.
On the other hand, words that mean the opposite (antonyms) include mind your own business, which is a way of telling someone not to get involved; ignore, which means to pay no attention to something; and respect boundaries, which means to understand and honor personal limits.
In communication and real-life relationships, learning when to help and when to stay out is important. While offering support can be kind, meddling can harm trust. It’s best to wait until someone asks for help before getting involved in their personal matters.
