Question

Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word:
He has been obstinate since his childhood.
a)stubborn
b)dogged
c)amenable
d)rigid

Answer 1

Hint: Someone who is obstinate is someone who is very stubborn. We have to choose a word that is equivalent to the meaning ‘not stubborn’.

Complete step-by-step answer:

A word that is similar to the meaning ‘not stubborn’ is ‘amenable’. Amenable means someone whose decisions can be changed if explained properly. Amenable people accept other people’s suggestions, unlike stubborn people who do not change their decisions easily. Thus, option c is the correct answer.
Option a is wrong because it is a synonym of ‘obstinate’. For example, a stubborn child refused to drink milk.
Option b is also wrong because ‘dogged’ means to show high persistence regarding something. For example, he showed dogged determination in completing the task.
Option d is incorrect because ‘rigid’ means something which cannot be changed easily. For example, the teacher was rigid about his decision of not giving extra marks.

Note: Some words may not mean exactly the same but they are to be considered as synonyms if the essence of the word is similar. For example, dogged and obstinate are not exactly similar since obstinate has a negative connotation to it while dogged is on the positive side. However, they are to be considered similar for the sake of this question since the fact that a dogged person, as well as an obstinate person, are firm in their decisions or beliefs and they cannot be easily changed. Therefore, the context of the question should be understood.