Question

Choose the word opposite in meaning to the given word-
ATTRACT
a) Repulse
b) Reject
c) Repel
d) Distract

Answer 1

Hint: Attract refers to approaching or causing something or someone closer towards oneself or itself.

Complete answer:

Opposite or antonyms are words that are contrary in meaning to another word. Example- Courageous is the antonym of a coward.
The word ‘attract’ has been derived from the Latin word- Adtrahere, which means to draw.
We know the meaning and the origin of the word ‘attract’. Now, let’s look at its usage:
Example- The government has organized a rally to attract more people. Here, we can understand that the government has organized a rally to approach or cause the people closer towards it.
Let’s decipher the meaning of the given options:
Option a- ‘Repulse’ refers to fighting back or pushing back. Example- The people had planned to protest but instead they were repulsed by the police. ‘Repulse’ is different in meaning to attract. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Option b- ‘Reject’ refers to refusing or turning down something or someone. Example- The boy refused to marry her. ‘Reject’ is different in meaning to attract. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Option c- ‘Repel’ refers to holding off or repulsing someone or something away from oneself or itself. Example- The soldiers tried to repel the wild animals. ‘Repel’ is the opposite in meaning to attract. Hence, it is the correct option.
Option d- ‘Distract’ refers to diverting or preventing someone from concentrating. Example- He tried to distract his father. ‘Distract’ is different in meaning to attract. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
The correct answer is Option ‘c’.

Note: Do not get confused between the different words. Thoroughly read and understand their meanings before choosing the correct answer.