Question

Choose the word which is closest to the opposite in meaning to the italicized word.
The usual adulation of the officers must end.
a) Backbiting
b) Flattery
c) Condemnation
d) Praise

Answer 1

Hint: Adulation means excessive admiration or appreciation. It is a noun. A noun is a naming word used to identify a person, place, object, etc. For example, too much adulation made her arrogant.

Complete step-by-step answer:
From the hint given to us, we understand the meaning of adulation. We infer that the correct answer must mean the opposite of it. Let us analyze the given options one by one to find the correct opposite of adulation.
a)Back-biting means to criticize someone who is not present. It is a noun.
For example, as we grow older, we realize that back-biting is a sign of immaturity.
We observe that it does not exactly mean the opposite of adulation. Hence, the option ‘a’ is not the correct answer.
b)Flattery means excessive praise or appreciation. It is a noun.
For example, true friends do not require flattery but honesty.
We observe that it does not exactly mean the opposite of adulation. Hence, option ‘b’ is not the correct answer.
c)Condemnation means to strongly disapprove or criticize. It is a noun.
For example, the protest was an act of condemnation of government policy.
We observe that it means the exact opposite of adulation. Hence, option ‘c’ is the correct answer.
d)Praise means to appreciate or commend. It is a noun.
For example, celebrations were held in praise of the Indian team winning the cricket match.
We observe that it does not exactly mean the opposite of adulation. Hence, option ‘d’ is not the correct answer.
Thus, option ‘c’ - condemnation is the correct answer.

Note: One might confuse between back-biting and condemnation. However, condemnation is usually public and a formal term used for serious issues, whereas, backbiting is a slander which is informal and covert in nature.