Question

Choose the word opposite in meaning to the given word.
GRADUALLY
A) Hastily
B) Suddenly
C) Thoughtlessly
D) Impulsively

Answer 1

Hint: Antonyms are the words that are opposite in meaning to another. The root words for the word 'antonym' are the words 'anti' meaning 'against' or 'opposite' and 'onym' meaning 'name’. For instance: the antonym of ‘hot’ is ‘cold’.

Complete step by step answer:
The meaning of the word gradually is ‘in a gradual way or slowly or gently’. So, as per the question we have to find the word which is opposite in meaning to the word gradually.
Option A) Hastily – is an incorrect answer because the meaning of hastily is ‘with excessive speed or urgency’ and this is not the opposite of the word gradually. Thus, this is an incorrect answer.
Option B) Suddenly – is the correct answer because the meaning of suddenly is ‘quickly and unexpectedly’ and this is the opposite of the word gradually i.e. slowly or gently. Thus, this is the correct answer.
Option C) Thoughtlessly – is an incorrect answer because the meaning of thoughtlessly is ‘in a way that does not consider how your actions or words may upset someone’ and this is not the opposite of the word gradually. Thus, this is an incorrect answer.
Option D) Impulsively – is an incorrect answer because the meaning of impulsively is ‘showing behaviour in which you do things suddenly without any planning and without considering the effects they may have’ and this is not the opposite of the word gradually. Thus, this is an incorrect answer.

So, the correct answer is “Option B ”.

Note:
Antonyms are the words that are opposite in meaning and synonyms are the words that have the same meaning. As the meaning of gradually is slowly or gently. The remaining words that are given in the options are not opposite to the word gradually. The synonym of gradually is slowly, moderately, gently.