Question

Choose the word that is most nearly the opposite in meaning: Adversity
a. Enmity
b. Severity
c. Prosperity
d. Calamity

Answer 1

Hint: We have to find the word that gives a contrasting meaning to the given term. Adversity indicates something terribly bad to cope with.

Complete answer:
Opposites are words that mean different or opposing to a particular word. They are also called antonyms.
The given term ‘adversity’ is a noun that means a difficult or extremely unpleasant situation. It also indicates misfortune, ill or bad luck. The opposite of ‘adversity’ therefore would indicate something good and lively.
> That being the case, we understand that ‘prosperity’ in option c has the right answer. Prosperity means the state of being well and good or prosperous. It defines a good state of living. Hence, option c is the correct option.
- Enmity in option a is wrong. Enmity is the noun that defines a state of feeling complete hostility and animosity, particularly between two countries.
- Similarly, ‘severity’ too explains a meaning similar to adverse. We use ‘severity’ as the noun form of severe that defines seriousness of a particular issue.
- Option d is also incorrect. Calamity is another term used for a disaster. We say ‘natural calamities’ to describe disasters like earthquakes, floods, and drought and so on. Thus, option d is also proved wrong.

Note: Do not confuse ‘adversity’ with ‘advertisement’. The latter is a notice or announcement given to a public through a newspaper, television, or radio.