Question

Choose the option which means the opposite of the given word:
Gaucherie

a) Tact
b) Culminate
c) Dwindle
d) Quiet

Answer 1

Hint:The word ‘gaucherie’ refers to ‘awkward or unsophisticated ways'. This word is usually used as a noun.

Complete answer:
The word ‘gaucherie’ was derived from Old French. It was originally ‘gauche’ in Old French, meaning ‘left’. It was made into a noun in Middle English.
The given word can be used in a sentence in the following way:
For example, in the sentence ‘My gaucherie was a hindrance in getting a job’, the word ‘gaucherie’ is used as a noun. It is used to illustrate the fact that the ‘awkwardness’ was an obstacle in getting the desired job for the subject.

Now, we know the meaning and usage of the given word. Let’s look at our available options:

a) tact - The word ‘tact’ refers to ‘skill and sensitivity in dealing with others or with difficult issues’. This word has the exact opposite meaning to the given word. This is the antonym of ‘gaucherie’. It is the required answer. So, this is the correct option.
b) culminate - The word ‘culminate’ refers to ‘reach a climax or point of highest development'. This word has a completely different meaning to the given word. It is not the antonym of ‘gaucherie’. It is not the required answer. So, this is an incorrect option.
c) dwindle - The word ‘dwindle’ refers to ‘diminish gradually in size, amount, or strength'. This word has a very different meaning to the given word. It is not the antonym of ‘gaucherie’. It is not the required answer. So, this is an incorrect option.
d) quiet - The word ‘quiet’ refers to ‘making little or no noise'. This word has a completely unrelated meaning to the given word. It is not the antonym of ‘gaucherie’. It is not the required answer. So, this is an incorrect option.

Note:
Understand the meaning of each option and the given word carefully. Try to use them in the context of a sentence. Then, choose the word that has the exact opposite meaning as the given word, i.e. an antonym.