Question

Choose the word that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word:
His dispassionate manner is an asset in tense situations.
a. Transparent
b. Threatening
c. Excited
d. Reliable

Answer 1

Hint: Opposites are words that share the contrasting meanings of a word. The underlined term ‘dispassionate’ refers to being unemotional.

Complete step by step answer:
We are asked to find the opposite of ‘dispassionate’. The opposites, also called antonyms, are words that carry entirely different meanings of another word. Dispassionate is an adjective that describes someone who is not emotionally influenced at all. The term thus indicates a rational, unemotional, and impartial person.
Example: She handled the heart breaking news in a dispassionate manner.
That being the case, we understand that the opposite of ‘dispassionate’ should indicate highly expressive and emotional character. Let’s check the given options.

> In option a, we have the word ‘transparent’ that refers to something easy to understand. This cannot be the right opposite and hence wrong.

> Threatening in option b can also be ruled out as it indicates a hostile or intimidating behaviour or situation.

> Option c gives us the right answer. Excited as an adjective means very thrilled, enthusiastic, and exhilarated. This is quite contrasting to ‘dispassionate’ in meaning and hence becomes the right answer.

> Reliable in option d is also wrong. Reliable is an adjective that we use to describe someone dependable or trust-worthy.

Note: We use ‘passionate’ to describe someone showing intense feelings or beliefs. Its generally used antonyms are apathetic or phlegmatic.