Question

Choose the word which best expresses the opposite of the given word.
METICULOUS

a) Mutual
b) Shaggy
c) Meretricious
d) Slovenly

Answer 1

Hint:Meticulous refers to being careful or diligent in the treatment of details. It involves showing extreme attention to something.

Complete answer:

The word meticulous has been derived from the Latin word- Metus, which means fear.
We know the meaning and the origin of the word meticulous. Now, let’s look at the given options.
Mutual- It refers to a feeling or a situation that is experienced by two or more people at the same time. It is different in meaning to meticulous. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Example- We just found out we have mutual friends.
Shaggy- It refers to someone having tangled or untidy hair or fleece. It is different in meaning to meticulous. Hence, it Is an incorrect option.
Example- The goat’s long shaggy coat has lost its colour.
Meretricious- It refers to something that is artificial or fake. It is different in meaning to meticulous. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Example- My mother bought a pair of meretricious pearls.
Slovenly- It refers to someone who is careless and disorganized. It is opposite in meaning to meticulous. Hence, it is the correct option.
Example- The minister presented a slovenly speech.
The correct answer is Option ‘d’.

Note: Meticulous is used in a positive sense as it describes a person who is careful and precise. Example- He is very meticulous with his diet. Here, we can understand that X is very careful and diligent with his diet.