Question

Choose the word that gives the antonym of the word italicized.
His unscrupulous pursuit of wealth finally landed him in prison.
a. Superfluous
b. Single minded
c. Dedicated
d. Ethical

Answer 1

Hint: Antonyms are those words that have contrasting or opposite meanings to the given word.

Complete step by step solution:
In the given question, the word ‘unscrupulous’ refers to without scruples (motivation deriving logically from ethical or moral principles that govern a person's thoughts and actions) or principles.

Let us analyze the options given to us in this question:
> Option (a.), 'superfluous', refers to serving no useful purpose; having no excuse for being.
Therefore, option (a.) is incorrect as its meaning is not antonymous to that of the given word ‘unscrupulous’.

> Option (b.), ‘single minded', refers to being determined.
Therefore, option (b.) is incorrect as its meaning is not antonymous to that of the given word ‘unscrupulous’.

> Option (c.), ‘dedicated', refers to being devoted to a cause or ideal or purpose.
Therefore, option (c.) is incorrect as its meaning is not antonymous to that of the given word ‘unscrupulous’.

> Option (d.), ‘ethical', refers to adhering to ethical and moral principles.
Therefore, option (d.) is correct as its meaning is antonymous to that of the given word ‘unscrupulous’.

Note: In a question where we have to find the opposite of the given word, we sometimes do not have options which exactly mean the opposite of the given word. In this case, we have to select the option which is the most antonymous to the meaning of the word in the question.