Question

Choose the word that gives the antonym of the word italicized.
I am somewhat sceptical about his claim.
A) Optimistic
B) Convinced
C) Credulous
D) Hopeful

Answer 1

Hint:Antonyms are the words that are opposite in meaning to another. The root words for the word 'antonym' are the words 'anti' meaning 'against' or 'opposite' and 'onym' meaning 'name’. For instance: the antonym of ‘hot’ is ‘cold’.

Complete answer:
The meaning of the word sceptical is ‘not convinced that something is true or mistrust people or ideas.’ So, as per the question we must find the word which is opposite in meaning to the word sceptical.
Option A) Optimistic - is an incorrect answer because the meaning of optimistic is ‘hopeful or confident about the future or cheerful or positive’ and this is not antonym of the word sceptical. Thus, this is an incorrect answer.
Option B) Convinced - is the correct answer because the meaning of convinced is ‘completely certain about something or firm in one’s belief’ and this is the antonym of the word sceptical as they have different meanings or they are opposite in meaning to each other. Thus, this is the correct answer.
Option C) Credulous - is an incorrect answer because the meaning of credulous is ‘trusting or gullible or naïve or innocent or unsophisticated’ and this is not antonym of the word sceptical. Thus, this is an incorrect answer.
Option D) Hopeful - is an incorrect answer because the meaning of hopeful is ‘optimistic or confident or feeling or inspiring optimistic about the future’ and this is not antonym of the word sceptical. Thus, this is an incorrect answer.

Hence, the correct answer is option ‘B’.

Note: There are two words i.e. antonyms and the synonyms. So, antonyms are the words that are opposite to each other i.e. antonyms of sceptical is convinced and synonyms are the words that are similar in meaning, so, synonym of sceptical is doubtful. Thus, Option B is the most appropriate answer as compared to the other options. Also, Option A and Option D are synonyms of each other because they have similar meaning.