Question

Choose the word opposite in meaning to the given word.
DEBONAIR
a. worried
b. pensive
c. grim
d. unsophisticated

Answer 1

Hint: The word ‘debonair’ refers to ‘confident, stylish, and charming’.

Complete step by step solution: The word ‘debonair’ has its origins rooted in old French. It was derived from the phrase ‘de bon aire’ meaning ‘of good disposition’. It came to mean ‘confident and charming’ in the late 19th century.
Now, we know the meaning and origin of the word ‘debonair’. Let’s look at our available options,
worried - The word ‘worried’ refers to ‘being anxious or troubled about actual or potential problems’. This word has a very different meaning to the given word. It is not the antonym of ‘debonair’. So, this is an incorrect option.
pensive - The word ‘pensive’ means ‘engaged in, involving, or reflecting deep or serious thought’. This has a completely different meaning to the given word and is not the antonym of it. So, this is also an incorrect option.
grim - The word ‘grim’ refers to something that is ‘very serious or gloomy’. This has a different meaning to the given word. So, it is an incorrect option.

unsophisticated - The word ‘unsophisticated’ refers to ‘lacking refined worldly knowledge or tastes’. This has the exact opposite meaning of the given word. Hence, it is the antonym of ‘debonair’. So, this is the correct option.

Note: Try to identify three options which are similar to each other in meaning, and eliminate them. This will leave you with the required antonym of the given word.