Question

Choose the option which means the opposite of the given word:
Malevolent
a. Kind
b. Vacuous
c. Ambivalent
d. Primitive

Answer 1

Hint: Antonyms are those words which give the opposite meaning of the word in question. One word can have several antonyms entailing it. Malevolent is a word describing ill-wishes or something that is evil or harmful to the other. It is often associated with negative thoughts and feelings.

Complete answer:
Now, considering the above options,
- Option a, Kind, describes something that is affectionate or benevolent in nature, quite the opposite of malevolent. Eg: She is a kind and responsible woman. She is good at her career and handles her life well.
- Option b, Vacuous, refers to something that is idle, empty or lacks ideas. Eg: Some people in class disturb others by being vacuous. It is indeed irritating to the lecturer.
- Option c, Ambivalent, refers to the existence of both positive as well as negative feelings towards someone or something. Eg: I am ambivalent when it comes to the topic of religion and politics. Both can be classified into good as well as dirty. Nothing is as pure as it claims to be.
- Option d, Primitive, pertains to anything associated with early life or history. Eg: The people here have such primitive behaviour. Their primitive attitude towards the disease is what ruined them.

> Hence, the correct answer is Option a, Kind, that is the opposite of malevolent.

Note: Here, Kind and Ambivalent can have similar connotations. But, ambivalent includes both positive and negative, while it is not the case for kind.