Question

Choose the word/phrase which is opposite in meaning to the italicised word/phrase in the sentence.
His urbane attitude won him many friends.
(a)rude
(b)rustic
(c)violent
(d)indifferent

Answer 1

Hint: Try to recall the meaning of the given word. The question clearly states that we need to choose the option which means the opposite or is closest to being the opposite of the given word. Go through the options and try to recall what each word means and choose the correct answer.

Complete answer: An antonym is a word that is opposite in meaning to another word, in the same language. They convey things that are opposite in meaning.
For example, the words ‘hot’ and ‘cold’ are antonyms of each other, as they convey opposite meanings.
The word ‘urbane’ refers to ‘(of a person) courteous and refined in a manner’. This word is usually used as an adjective and another variant of this is ‘urban’. Another antonym of this word is ‘rural’. It was used in the sentence as an adjective describing the noun ‘attitude’. This means that the attitude has the manner of modernity. And, it is described as attracting friends, as the subject appeared friendly.
Now, we know the meaning and usage of the word ‘urbane’. Let’s look at our options:
(a)rude - The word ‘rude’ refers to ‘offensively impolite or bad-mannered'. This has a completely different meaning to the given word. It is not the required antonym. So, this is an incorrect option.
(b)rustic - The word ‘rustic’ refers to ‘relating to the countryside; rural’. This has the exact opposite meaning of the given word. It is the required antonym. So, this is the correct option.
(c)violent - The word ‘violent’ refers to ‘using or involving physical force intended to hurt, damage, or kill someone or something'. This has a completely different meaning to the given word. It is not the required antonym. So, this is an incorrect option.
(d)indifferent - The word ‘indifferent’ refers to ‘having no particular interest or sympathy; unconcerned'. This has a completely different meaning to the given word. It is not the required antonym. So, this is an incorrect option.

Note: Some other antonyms of the word ‘urbane’ are uncouth, unsophisticated and boorish while synonyms are suave, tactful, cultured, sophisticated etc.