Question

Choose the word opposite in the meaning of the given word
SCEPTICAL
a) Inquisitive
b) Hopeful
c) Indicative
d) Intuitive

Answer 1

Hint: There are millions of words in a language and every word has a meaning which signifies what the word denotes. Meaning is intended to communicate something.

Complete Answer:
Sceptical refers to someone who is not easily convinced or has doubts or reservations about a particular thing. The origin of the word is of late 16th century, from the French word ‘sceptique’. Let us take you through an example for the same.
“Scientists who are sceptical about global warming”
So, now we must go through the meaning of the words given as an option to find out which word best expresses the opposite of sceptical.
a) Inquisitive: It refers to someone who is excessively curious about other people’s business. The origin of the word is from Old French, first used during the time of Middle English. Let us look at an example here. “Bears are very inquisitive and must be kept constantly stimulated.”

b) Hopeful: It refers to someone who has qualities of inspiring or a positive expectation, which makes this the opposite of our given word sceptical. The origin of the word is unknown but it was first used during the Old English times. Let us look at an example here. “Surgeons were hopeful of saving her sight.”

c) Indicative: It refers to serving as a sign or indication of something. Its first origin was during the times of Middle English. Let us have a look at an example for the word. “Often physical appearance is indicative of how a person feels.”

d) Intuitive: It refers to using or based on what one feels to be true even without conscious reasoning. It was first used in the late 15th century, originally used in the sense of ‘accurate or ‘unerring’. Here, let us look at an example. “A positive pregnancy test soon confirmed her intuitive feelings.”

Note: Here, you might get confused with indicative being the opposite word for sceptical. But hopeful and sceptical have more opposite meanings with one another. Therefore, selecting indicative will be the wrong option.