Question

Select the antonym for the following word from the options given below:
INHERENT
A) Subjective
B) External
C) Extraneous
D) Accidental

Answer 1

Hint: In the given question, we have to identify the antonym. Antonym means the opposite of the given word. The meaning of inherent is existing in something as a permanent, essential, or characteristic attribute. We have to select the option which is contradictory to such meaning.

Complete answer:
Inherent is something that is within oneself. It refers to the inner quality and generally present since birth or inception.
Let us evaluate the options:
Option A) Subjective – This option is incorrect because the meaning of subjective is based on or influenced by personal feelings, tastes, or opinions. It is not appropriate opposite of inherent as there is no relation with getting influenced by personal feelings.
Option B) External – This option is incorrect because external refers to outside. It is generally used with reference to location and not quality. It is not appropriate opposite of inherent.
Option C) Extraneous – This option is correct because it means something that is irrelevant or unrelated to the subject. Since inherent means essential characteristic, extraneous would be the antonym. Example of it in a sentence is -If you slip off your diet, the extraneous calories will make you gain all the weight you lost.
Option D) Accidental – This option is incorrect because it means happening by mistake or chance. It is not related to any attribute rather it is related to an event. So, it is not the appropriate answer.

Therefore the correct answer is option ‘C’.

Note: It is to be noted that antonyms can only be such words that have opposite meanings. In the given case, Option A, B and D are not related to the word “Inherent” since they have completely different meanings so they cannot be antonyms of it. There has to be a meaningful opposite and contradictory relationship between antonyms.