Question

Select the word which means the opposite of the given word:
Abrupt
A) Sharp
B) Hurried
C) Lacking in continuity
D) Gradual

Answer 1

Hint:Antonyms are the words that are opposite in meaning to another. The root words for the word 'antonym' are the words 'anti' meaning 'against' or 'opposite' and 'onym' meaning 'name’. For instance: the antonym of ‘hot’ is ‘cold’.

Complete answer:
The meaning of the word abrupt is ‘sudden and unexpected or sudden or immediate or hurried’. So, as per the question we must find the word which is opposite in meaning to the word abrupt.
Option A) Sharp - is an incorrect answer because the meaning of sharp is ‘having an edge or point that is able to cut or pierce something or keen or sharpened’ and this is not antonym of the word abrupt. Thus, this is an incorrect answer.
Option B) Hurried - is an incorrect answer because the meaning of hurried is ‘done in a hurry; rushed’ and this is not an antonym of the word abrupt. Thus, this is an incorrect answer.
Option C) Lacking in continuity - is an incorrect answer because the meaning of lacking in continuity is ‘discontinuity. lack of connection or continuity’ and this is not an antonym of the word abrupt. Thus, this is an incorrect answer.
Option D) Gradual - is the correct answer because the meaning of gradual is ‘taking place or progressing slowly or by degrees or slow or moderate or measured’ and this is the antonym of the word abrupt as they have different meaning or they are opposite in meaning to each other. Thus, this is the correct answer.

Hence the correct answer is option ‘D’.

Note:Antonyms are the words that are opposite to each other i.e. antonym of abrupt is gradual and synonyms are the words that are similar in meaning. And the other word is synonym and the meaning of synonym is the words that have the same or similar meaning. So, the synonym of abrupt is hurried i.e. already given in Option B.