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Question

Directions: Each item in this section consists of sentences with an underlined word followed by four words or a group of words. Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response accordingly.

He is one of theconfidantsof the leader and can influence the decision of the government.

This question was previously asked in
CDS I 2020 Elementary Mathematics Previous Year Paper (02-Feb-2020)
The correct answer is

opponents

Understanding the Antonym of Confidant

The question asks us to find the word or group of words that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word "confidants" in the given sentence:

"He is one of the confidants of the leader and can influence the decision of the government."

First, let's understand what "confidants" means. A confidant is a person with whom one shares a secret or private matter, trusting them not to repeat it. Essentially, they are trusted individuals, often close friends or advisors, with whom one has a very close relationship built on trust.

Analyzing the Options for the Opposite Meaning

Now, let's look at the given options and determine which one represents the opposite of someone who is trusted and close (a confidant):

  1. opponents: An opponent is someone who is on the opposing side in a contest, conflict, or dispute. They are people who are against someone or something. This is the direct opposite of being a trusted friend or advisor.
  2. intimate: Intimate means closely familiar or associated; private and personal. This word is very close in meaning to a confidant, not the opposite.
  3. close friends: This phrase directly describes what confidants often are – people who are close and trusted. This is a synonym, not an antonym.
  4. colleague: A colleague is a person with whom one works in a profession or business. While you might trust a colleague, the term itself only implies a working relationship and doesn't necessarily carry the same weight of sharing private matters as "confidant". It is not the opposite.

Identifying the Correct Antonym for Confidants

Based on the analysis, the word that is most clearly the opposite in meaning to confidants is "opponents". Confidants are trusted allies; opponents are adversaries.

Conclusion

The word opposite in meaning to confidants is opponents.

Revision Table: Confidant vs. Opponent

Word Meaning Relationship to Confidant
Confidant A trusted person with whom secrets or private matters are shared. Original Word
Opponent A person who is against someone or something; adversary. Opposite Meaning (Antonym)
Intimate Closely familiar, private. Similar Meaning (Synonym/Related)
Close friends Trusted companions. Similar Meaning (Synonym)
Colleague A person with whom one works. Different Relationship (Neither Synonym nor Antonym)

Additional Information: Understanding Antonyms and Synonyms

In English vocabulary, understanding antonyms and synonyms is crucial for improving comprehension and expression. An antonym is a word that has the opposite meaning of another word, while a synonym is a word that has a similar or identical meaning.

  • Finding antonyms helps to understand the full spectrum of a word's meaning by considering its contrast.
  • Recognizing synonyms helps to vary language and avoid repetition.
  • For the word confidant, synonyms could include words like trusted advisor, intimate friend, or close associate.
  • The antonyms would be words that describe someone who is not trusted, is an enemy, or is in opposition, such as opponent, adversary, or foe.
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