Question

Choose the word that gives the antonym of the italicised word.
We received a cordial welcome from our guest.
a. Official
b. Cold
c. Distrustful
d. Indifferent

Answer 1

Hint: ‘Cordial’ is a term that we often use in formal occasions to hint something good. We are asked to find its opposite meaning.

Complete answer:
Antonyms are words that mean the opposite of another word. Such words have an entirely different meaning from the given word.
Example: tall x short, fair x dark, and so.
The given term ‘cordial’ is used as both a noun and an adjective. It means friendly and warm, particularly used to extend welcome to someone to an event.
Example: It was a cordial climate to begin the tour.
- In option a, we have ‘official’ which indicates formal activities related to an office and its works. As this has no relation with ‘cordial’, we rule out this option.
> Cold in option b gives an opposite meaning of warm which in turn indicates ‘cordial.’ It indicates the unfriendly or unwelcoming attitude by someone. Hence, option b is the right answer.
- Distrustful in option c is wrong because it is an adjective that shows the feeling of distrust on someone or something.
- Similarly, option d is also incorrect. Indifferent given as option d refers to having no particular interest or emotion to anything. It also indicates being impassive.

Note: Do not confuse ‘cordial’ with ‘cardinal.’ Cardinal, a noun, is a designation among the Roman Catholic priests.