Question

Choose the word that gives the antonym of the word italicized.
He was the most eccentric and difficult person.
a) normal
b) sober
c) genial
d) sociable

Answer 1

Hint: Antonyms are those words that express a meaning opposed to the meaning of another word, in which case the two words are antonyms of each other. In the given question, the word ‘eccentric’ refers to a person with an unusual or odd personality.

Complete solution:

Let us analyze the options given to us in this question:

Option (a.), 'normal', refers to conforming with or constituting a norm or standard or level or type or social norm; not abnormal or unusual.

Therefore, option (a.) is correct as its meaning is antonymous to that of the given word ‘eccentric’.

Option (b.), ‘sober', refers to someone dignified and sombre in manner or character and committed to keeping promises.

Therefore, option (b.) is incorrect as its meaning is not antonymous to that of the given word ‘eccentric’.

Option (c.), ‘genial', refers to diffusing warmth and friendliness.

Therefore, option (c.) is incorrect as its meaning is not antonymous to that of the given word ‘eccentric’.

Option (d.), ‘sociable', refers to being inclined to or conducive to companionship with others.

Therefore, option (d.) is incorrect as its meaning is not antonymous to that of the given word ‘eccentric’.

Hence, the correct answer is option ‘a’.

Note: Sometimes the given options in a question where we have to find the opposite of the given word do not exactly mean the opposite of the given word. If this happens, we have to select the option which is the most anonymous to the meaning of the word in the question.