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Question

Choose the word opposite in meaning to the one in capitals in the given sentence.

She didn't have the slightest COMPUNCTION about telling me a lie.

The correct answer is

AUDACITY

Understanding the Opposite Meaning of COMPUNCTION

The question asks us to find the word opposite in meaning to the word COMPUNCTION as used in the sentence: "She didn't have the slightest COMPUNCTION about telling me a lie."

What does COMPUNCTION mean?

The word COMPUNCTION refers to:

  • A feeling of guilt or moral scruple that prevents or follows the doing of something bad.
  • Anxiety arising from awareness of guilt.
  • A feeling of hesitation or reluctance based on moral grounds.

In the given sentence, "She didn't have the slightest COMPUNCTION about telling me a lie," means she felt absolutely no guilt, hesitation, or moral reservation about lying.

Analyzing the Options for the Opposite Meaning

We need to find a word among the options that signifies the opposite of feeling guilt, hesitation, or moral scruple. Let's look at each option:

  1. CONFLAGRATION: This word means a large destructive fire. This is completely unrelated to feelings of guilt or hesitation.
  2. AUDACITY: This word means willingness to take bold risks. It also means impudence or boldness. Someone with AUDACITY is often fearless, daring, and can be disrespectful or brazen in their actions. Lacking COMPUNCTION about doing something (like lying) implies a certain boldness or fearlessness in doing it, which aligns well with the meaning of AUDACITY.
  3. ABSTEMIOUS: This word describes someone who is not self-indulgent, especially when eating and drinking. This relates to moderation and self-discipline in consumption, not moral feelings or hesitation about actions.
  4. ABJURATION: This word means the formal renunciation or rejection of something. This relates to giving up a belief or claim, not a feeling of guilt or hesitation.

Identifying the Opposite Word

The absence of COMPUNCTION means acting without guilt, hesitation, or moral restraint. This state is closely related to being bold, daring, or impudent, which are aspects of AUDACITY. Therefore, AUDACITY is the word that is most nearly opposite in meaning to COMPUNCTION in this context, representing a fearless or brazen approach rather than a hesitant or guilty one.

Thus, the word opposite in meaning to COMPUNCTION is AUDACITY.

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Important Questions from Synonyms or Antonyms

  1. Directions: Each item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four options, (a), (b), (c) and (d). Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response accordingly.

    He had the audacity to blame him.

  2. Directions: Each item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four options, (a), (b), (c) and (d). Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response accordingly.

    There is exponential growth in the development of the scientific researches in the recent few decades.

  3. Directions : Item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words/group of words (a), (b), (c) and (d). Select the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response in the Answer Sheet accordingly.

    The itinerary of the group’s visit to the hills was given to everyone. 

  4. Directions : Item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words/group of words (a), (b), (c) and (d). Select the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response in the Answer Sheet accordingly.

    All mortal elements are impermanent.

  5. Directions : Item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words (a), (b), (c) and (d). Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response in the Answer Sheet accordingly.

    The novel depicts the hapless status of certain sections of society.  

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