Finding the Antonym of Imperturbable

The question asks us to find the most appropriate antonym for the underlined word, which is "imperturbable," in the sentence "They realised that the ghost was imperturbable."

Let's first understand the meaning of the word "imperturbable."

• Imperturbable means unable to be upset or excited; calm. Someone who is imperturbable remains collected and composed, even in difficult or stressful situations.

Now, let's look at the given options and their meanings to determine which one is the opposite of "imperturbable."

• Exasperating: This means intensely irritating or infuriating. It describes something that causes frustration, not a state of being.
• Startling: This means causing sudden alarm or surprise. While a startling event might disturb someone, the word itself doesn't describe a person's typical state of being the opposite of calm.
• Excitable: This means easily aroused to excitement. An excitable person is prone to becoming excited, agitated, or disturbed easily. This is directly contrary to being calm and undisturbed.
• Contaminating: This means making something impure or polluted. This word is completely unrelated to the concept of being calm or disturbed emotionally.

Comparing the meanings, the word that best represents the opposite of being unable to be upset or excited ("imperturbable") is being easily aroused to excitement ("excitable").

Therefore, the most appropriate antonym for "imperturbable" is "excitable."

Antonym Analysis

Understanding Antonyms

Antonyms are words that have opposite meanings. Finding the correct antonym requires understanding the precise meaning of the original word and evaluating how each option contrasts with it.

In this case, imperturbable describes a state of emotional steadiness and calm. The opposite state is one of being easily moved or affected emotionally, which is captured by the word excitable.

Revision Table: Antonyms of Imperturbable

Here's a quick look at the word and its antonym.

Additional Information: Synonyms and Context

Understanding synonyms can also help clarify the meaning of a word.

• Synonyms for Imperturbable: Calm, composed, collected, cool, serene, tranquil, unruffled, unflappable, steady.
• Synonyms for Excitable: Agitated, restless, volatile, high-strung, jumpy, nervous, easily excited.

The sentence context, "They realised that the ghost was imperturbable," suggests the ghost was surprisingly calm or unaffected, perhaps contrary to expectations of a ghost. The antonym would suggest a ghost that was easily stirred or agitated.