Question

Choose the option that means opposite of the given word:
Brilliant
a. Shining
b. Dull
c. Flat
d. Apparent

Answer 1

Hint: Brilliant is the term we use to refer to the bright and shining colours of something. We are asked to find the word that has an opposite meaning to this.

Complete step by step answer:
Brilliant is an adjective that generally describes the bright shining or lustre on something. It indicates the height of brightness something possesses.
Example: The diamond she wore was brilliant.
This explains that the opposite would carry a meaning that underlines the lack of lustre or shine.
> That being the case, option a can be well ruled out. Shining is the adjective that refers to something so bright. This is similar to ‘brilliant’ and hence wrong.
> ‘Dull’ in option b indicates the lack of brightness. It becomes the right answer as it indicates the lack of interestedness or excitement someone has over something. It also means sombre or dark. Dull is also used to describe people who show very low interest.
> Option c is incorrect. Using ‘flat’ as an adjective indicates something that has a levelled surface. This seemingly has no relation with ‘brilliant’ and hence ruled out.
> ‘Apparent’ in option d is also wrong as ‘apparent’ means something clearly understood or obvious. Hence we rule out this option too.

Note: Brilliant is also used as an adjective to refer to an intelligent person. A talented artist or virtuoso in any field is often referred to as brilliant.