Question

Choose the option which means the opposite of the given word-
Exhilarate
a) Gladden
b) Invigorate
c) Depress
d) Inspire

Answer 1

Hint: The dictionary meaning of the given word ‘exhilarate' is ‘make (someone) feel very happy, animated, or elated.

Complete answer:
The word ‘exhilarate' is a verb. It means to make someone very happy or excited or elated; was exhilarated by her success and it’s a demanding dining experience that may exhaust and exasperate some customers, but exhilarate those who desire a challenge more than comfort.
Now, let us examine all the given options to find out the correct answer :
Option ‘a’ is Gladden. It is a verb which means to make glad. For example, The high, childish laugh was a sound that gladdened her heart.
Option ‘b' is Invigorate. It is a verb which means to give strength or energy to (someone). For example : The shower had invigorated her.
Option ‘c’ is Depress. It is a verb which means to make (someone) feel utterly dispirited or dejected. For example, That first day at school depressed me.
Option ‘d’ is Inspire. It is a verb which means to fill (someone) with the urge or ability to do or feel something, especially to do something creative.
As we have analyzed all the given options, we can easily figure out the correct answer. Here, the opposite of the word ‘exhilarate’ is ‘gladden’. Hence, the option ‘a' is the correct option.

Note:
All the given options are plausible distractions. Don’t confuse between ‘inspire’ and ‘gladden'. To inspire is to do something creative, whereas to gladden is to make someone feel good.