Question

Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word/words.
They are confident of success.

a)imprudent
b)impatient
c)diffident
d)reluctant

Answer 1

Hint: The word ‘confident’ refers to ‘feeling or showing confidence in oneself or one's abilities or qualities’.

Complete step-by-step answer:

 We now know the meaning of the word ‘confident’.
Example - We are ‘confident’ in his abilities, which means that they are sure of his abilities and trust him completely.
So, let’s look at the given options one by one to find the exact opposite.

a)imprudent - The word ‘imprudent’ refers to ‘not showing care for the consequences of an action’ or ‘being rash’. This meaning does not align with the opposite of ‘confident’. So, this is an incorrect option.
b)impatient - The word ‘impatient’ refers to ‘having or showing a tendency to be quickly irritated or provoked’ or ‘being restlessly eager’. This meaning is also not the exact opposite of ‘confident’. So, this is not the correct option.
c)diffident - The word ‘diffident’ refers to ‘modest or shy because of a lack of self-confidence’. This word has the exact opposite meaning to the word ‘confident’. So, this is the correct option.
d)reluctant - The word ‘reluctant’ means ‘unwilling and hesitant’ or ‘disinclined’. This word does not have the exact opposite meaning to ‘confident’. So, this is an incorrect option.

Note: Use the method of elimination to narrow down to the option that is the most likely to be the opposite of ‘confident’.