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Question

Direction: Item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words or groups of words. Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response accordingly.

His malicious intentions were aborted.

This question was previously asked in
CDS I 2023 English Previous Year Paper (16-April-2023)
The correct answer is benevolent

Finding the Antonym of Malicious

The question asks us to find the word that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word "malicious" in the sentence: "His malicious intentions were aborted." To do this, we need to understand the meaning of "malicious" and then look for the option that represents the opposite idea.

What does Malicious Mean?

The word "malicious" describes something that is intended to do harm or is full of ill will. When someone has malicious intentions, they mean to cause trouble or injury to others.

Analyzing the Options for the Opposite Meaning

Let's look at the given options:

  1. pernicious: This means having a harmful effect, often in a gradual or subtle way. This is similar in meaning to malicious, describing something harmful.
  2. spiteful: This means showing or caused by malice; filled with ill will or a desire to annoy, frustrate, or hurt someone. This is very close in meaning to malicious, essentially a synonym.
  3. benevolent: This means well meaning and kindly. Someone with benevolent intentions wants to do good things for others. This is the opposite of intending harm.
  4. vindictive: This means having or showing a strong or unreasoning desire for revenge. This implies a desire to harm someone in return for a perceived wrong, aligning with the idea of harmful intent, similar to malicious.

Identifying the Antonym

Comparing the options to the meaning of "malicious" (intending harm), we see that "benevolent" (well meaning and kindly) is the direct opposite. Malicious actions aim to hurt, while benevolent actions aim to help or be kind.

Comparing Malicious with Options
Word Meaning Relationship to Malicious
Malicious Intending or intended to do harm The word in question
Pernicious Harmful effect Synonym (describes something harmful)
Spiteful Showing malice or ill will Synonym
Benevolent Well meaning and kindly Antonym (opposite)
Vindictive Desiring revenge (to harm) Synonym (related to harmful intent)

Therefore, the word that is opposite in meaning to "malicious" is "benevolent".

Revision Table: Key Vocabulary

Important Vocabulary Terms
Word Definition Type
Malicious Intending or intended to do harm Adjective
Pernicious Having a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way Adjective
Spiteful Showing or caused by malice; malevolent Adjective
Benevolent Well meaning and kindly Adjective
Vindictive Having or showing a strong or unreasoning desire for revenge Adjective

Additional Information: Expanding Vocabulary Skills

Understanding antonyms and synonyms is crucial for improving vocabulary. When you learn a new word like "malicious", try to find both its synonyms (words with similar meaning) and antonyms (words with opposite meaning). This helps you understand the word's range of use and makes it easier to remember. For instance, related words to "malicious" that are not exact synonyms but share a negative connotation include 'wicked', 'cruel', or 'hostile'. Conversely, words related to "benevolent" might include 'kind', 'generous', or 'compassionate'. Practicing identifying these relationships will significantly boost your language skills for exams and everyday communication.

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