Question

Choose the word opposite in meaning to the italicized word:
His arrogance made him successful in his trade.
a)Flattering
b)Humble
c)Proud
d)Happy

Answer 1

Hint: The word “arrogance” is the quality of being arrogant or unpleasantly proud.

Complete step-by-step answer:

Let us decipher the meaning of each word and find the one that means opposite to the word “arrogance”. Option a “Flattering” means to praise excessively for the motives of self-interest. This is not the opposite of the given word. Thus, option ‘a’ is incorrect.
Option c “proud” means to display excessive self-esteem. This is again not the opposite of the given word. In fact, it is somewhat similar. Thus, the option ‘c’ is incorrect.
Option d “happy” means ‘feeling or showing pleasure or contentment.’ This is not related to the given word. It is not the opposite of the word given to us. Thus, option ‘d’ is incorrect.
Option ‘b’ “humble” means ‘having or showing modest or low importance of one’s own importance.’ This is exactly the opposite of the word “arrogance” which means to be arrogant and unpleasantly proud. Thus, option ‘b’ is the correct answer.

Note: Being happy does not equal to not being arrogant. Do not confuse happy to be the opposite of arrogant.