Question

Choose a word opposite in meaning to the given word.
Happiness

a) Contentment
b) Grief
c) Renunciation
d) Beatitude

Answer 1

Hint: Happiness defines a state of someone who is extremely content. It is an abstract noun. An opposite or an antonym refers to a word that is opposite in meaning to another word.

Complete answer:

We use the word ‘happiness’ to express feelings of delightfulness or joy.
Now, let’s look at the given options-
Option a ‘Contentment’ means a state of complete satisfaction. This acts as a synonym of the given word. The question demands the antonym. So, this option is incorrect.
Option b ‘Grief’ is a state of intense sorrow. The word is exactly the opposite of the given word ‘Happiness’. So, this option is the correct option.
Option c ‘Renunciation’ means to reject something like a belief or a course of action. This word has no connection with either the stated word in the question or its antonym. Thus, this option is also incorrect.
Option d ‘Beatitude’ is a state of receiving supreme blessedness. The meaning has no relation with the given word’s antonym. So, this option is also incorrect.
So, the correct answer is “Option b”.

Note: The antonym of a certain word can only be known if the meaning of the same is understood properly. Some commonly used antonyms of happiness are sorrow, sadness, etc.