Question

Choose the word which is closest to the opposite in meaning to the italicized word.
There was no altruistic motive that prompted him to help her.
a- Wicked
b- Brutal
c- Inhuman
d- Selfish

Answer 1

Hint: An antonym or opposite refers to a word that is opposing in meaning to another word. For example- Pacify is an antonym for provoke. ‘Altruistic’ refers to someone who is self-sacrificing and compassionate.

Complete answer:
The word ‘altruistic’ has been derived from the Latin word- Alteri huic, which means to this other.
We know the meaning and the origin of the word ‘altruistic’. Now, let’s look at its usage-
For example- My father’s rich boss is an altruistic man who donates millions of money to the poor and orphaned children. Here, we can comprehend that X’s father’s rich boss is a selfless and compassionate man who donates a large amount of money to the poor and orphaned children.
Let’s decipher the meaning of the given options-
Option a- ‘Wicked’ refers to someone evil or sinful. For example- The wicked woman was thrown into jail. ‘Wicked’ is different in meaning to the given context. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Option b- ‘Brutal’ refers to someone cruel or savage. For example- He performed a brutal act on the stage. ‘Brutal’ is different in meaning to the given context. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Option c- ‘Inhuman’ refers to someone who possesses harsh and barbaric qualities. For example- The prison staff was suspended for the inhuman treatment of the prisoners. ‘Inhuman’ is different in meaning to the given context. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Option d- ‘Selfish’ refers to someone who is self-obsessed and thoughtless of others. For example- My boss is a selfish man. ‘Selfish’ is opposite in meaning to the given context. Hence, it is the correct option. The correct answer is Option ‘d’.

Note:
 Some other antonyms of ‘altruistic’ are; uncharitable, stingy, insensitive, etc while some synonyms of ‘altruistic’ are; charitable, humanitarian, philanthropic, etc.