Question

Choose the word opposite in meaning to the given word.
LENIENT
a. Obstinate
b. Annoyed
c. Rude
d. Harsh

Answer 1

Hint: Opposite of a word means its antonyms, which are words that have contrasting or opposite meaning in comparison to the given (or original) word. So, find the word that shares the opposite meaning with lenient.

Complete answer:
Before finding the opposite word for lenient, let us understand what lenient means and how to use it in a sentence. Lenient means – someone who is more merciful or tolerant than expected or someone who is not too harsh, severe or strict.
For e.g. – Our English teacher is more lenient than our science teacher, or the judge was lenient with him etc.
Now, let us move forward and look into the meaning of the words given as a possible solution to the given question.
Option a, obstinate means someone who is stubborn, unbending or difficult to change or overcome etc. For e.g. – The obstinate problem of unemployment is still very prominent.
Option b, annoyed means slightly irritated or angry. For e.g. – Lily was annoyed at her friend.
Option c, rude means someone who is being offensively impolite or bad mannered. For e.g. – He was very rude to her.
Option d, harsh is used to show when someone is being very unpleasant, rough, cruel or severe. For e.g. – The teacher was very harsh with her.
So, the opposite for lenient (not severe) is harsh (severe). Therefore, this implies that the correct solution for the above question is option – d.

Note: Be familiar with the meaning so as not to get distracted by the options that may sound like the opposite for lenient but are not.