Question

The opposite of WATCHFULNESS is:
a) Supervision
b) Custody
c) Superintendence
d) Negligence

Answer 1

Hint: When a word has an opposite or contrasting meaning compared to that of another or given word we call it an antonym. For e.g. – the opposite of: Arrive is depart, arrogant is humble, blunt is sharp, liquid is solid etc. So, you need to find the word opposite in meaning of watchfulness.

Complete answer : First let us look into the meaning of the word – watchfulness. Watchfulness means someone who is vigilant or alert. I know the job description but their watchfulness worries me etc.
Now, let us understand the options that are given to us and try to find the word that contrasts in meaning with watchfulness.
>Supervision means – the action of supervising, controlling, or looking over someone or something. For e.g. – she was placed under supervision.
>Custody means – a protective care or guardianship of someone or something. For e.g. – the girl was placed in the custody of her maternal uncle.
>Superintendence means – the act of directing or management or arrangement of an activity or organization. For e.g. - the school was under the superintendence of the nuns of the convent,
>Negligence means – the failure to take proper care of something or someone or failure due to lack of alertness. For e.g. – his injury was due to the negligence of his team.
So, as you can see by the explanation above the correct solution would be option –‘d’, which is – negligence.

Hence the correct answer is option ‘d’.

Note: A watchful person is always alert and on the watch, she/he misses nothing. Keeping the meaning in mind try to narrow down your answer by eliminating those which are less likely to be the opposite of Watchfulness.