Question

Choose the word which means the opposite of the italicized word.
His interpretation of the poem is superficial.
a. mystical
b. profound
c. difficult
d. mysterious

Answer 1

Hint: The words which give reversed definitions for a given word are referred to as antonyms or opposites. In many cases, it helps to understand the exact words or circumstances relating to it. Superficial is defined as something that just tells us about the surface of some process or circumstance; that is, there is only a shallow explanation to it. It refers to anything that has not been studied or looked into in detail.

Complete answer:
Now, considering the above options,
- Mystical: Refers to mysterious phenomenon; something that is spiritual or supernatural. Eg: There exists several mystical stories concerning floods and droughts that are very intriguing.
- Profound: Refers to anything opposite to superficial; it goes far and beyond and finds the deepest of details. Eg: Our physics has profound knowledge in biology other than the subject he has majored in.
- Difficult: Anything that is not easy and takes up time, effort and labour; can also refer to situations which are hard to understand. Eg: We know it is difficult to hold back when something goes against our wishes.
- Mysterious: This is synonymous to mythical; something that is inexplicable

> Hence, Option b, Profound, is the answer, it, being the opposite of superficial. Eg: The stories surrounding the old house in my village are indeed mysterious.

Note: Superficial is not similar to easy or being able to handle lightly, so don’t hesitate on “difficult”.