Question

Choose the most suitable antonym for the word given in bold.
The secretary had a derisive attitude towards some of the members of the committee.
A. Deprecatory
B. Mocking
C. Strident
D. Respectful

Answer 1

Hint: Antonyms are words that are opposite to the given words. Simply put, two words are called antonyms when they mean opposite things to one another.

Complete step by step answer:
The word derisive means being contemptuous towards others and though not abusive in true sense, it is being abusive by using derogatory words with them. This attitude comes when someone thinks they’re above the others around them. Let’s look at the options to see which word is the most suitable antonym.
Option A – Deprecatory: this means to be non-approving of something, in a sense that someone is approving disapproval.
Example: The opposition party was deprecatory of the ruling party’s plan.
Option B – Mocking: this means to make fun of something or someone in a hurtful way. This word is more of a synonym than an antonym to the given word; hence this is not the right option.
Example: The boy kept mocking his friend for wearing dirty shoes.
Option C – Strident: this means to use brash and abrasive tone while expressing something. This is tone of voice one uses in a disrespectful way. This is not an antonym for the given word; hence this is not the right option.
Example: She had a strident way of expressing her opinions to people with opposing views.
Option D – Respectful: this means to show respect to people without being forced or asked for it. This is unlike the other options and means exactly the opposite of the given word; hence this is the right opion.
Example: They raised a respectful girl.

Thus, the correct option is (D)

Additional Information: Few other antonyms of derisive are -
- kind
- polite
- sweet, etc.

Note:
When in doubt, it will be helpful to eliminate the options that do not match so that it becomes easier to arrive at the most suitable option.