Question

Choose the word opposite in meaning to the given word.

CAJOLE
a. Dissuade
b. Detract
c. Disclose
d. Confide

Answer 1

Hint: A word that means the opposite of another word is called antonyms. They have contrast meanings. A specific or particular word can have multiple antonyms or opposite words.

Complete step-by-step answer:

The exact meaning of the given word “cajole” is to persuade something with reluctance. The exact opposite meaning of the given word is in the option [a] dissuade. The word dissuade means advising someone not to take a particular course of action. The words cajole and dissuade are the correct opposite words or antonyms of each other. Therefore, option [a] is the correct option.
The given word in the option [b] detract means to diminish the importance or value.
The given word in the option [c] disclose means to make something public.
The given word in the option [d] confide means to show confidence.
Hence, the options [b], [c], and [d] are incorrect as they do not have the opposite meaning as of the word cajole. They have their own specific or particular meaning.

Note: Opposite words or antonyms come in all the parts of speech such as noun, pronoun, verb, adjective, adverb, interjection, conjunction, and preposition. If one doesn’t know the meaning or the exact definition of the given word, one should not guess the opposite words or the antonyms strategically, others every option will feel right and you might end up getting the answer wrong.