All Exams Test series for 1 year @ ₹349 only
Question

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

He nodded absently throughout the meeting.

This question was previously asked in
NDA 2020 GAT Previous Year Paper (06-Sep-2020)
The correct answer is

alertly

Understanding the Question: Finding the Opposite Meaning

The question asks us to identify the word from the given options that has the opposite meaning to the underlined word "absently" in the sentence "He nodded absently throughout the meeting."

To answer this, we first need to understand the meaning of "absently".

Defining 'Absently'

The word "absently" is an adverb derived from "absent". It describes an action performed in an absent-minded manner. This means:

  • Without giving proper attention or thought.
  • In a preoccupied or distracted state.
  • Showing a lack of concentration.

So, "He nodded absently" means he nodded without really paying attention, perhaps his mind was elsewhere.

Analyzing the Options

Now let's look at each option and determine its meaning:

  1. capably: This adverb means in a competent or skilled manner. It relates to ability, not attention level. It is not the opposite of "absently".
  2. alertly: This adverb means in an attentive, wide-awake, or watchful manner. It implies full attention and concentration. This seems like a strong candidate for the opposite of "absently".
  3. agitatedly: This adverb means in a disturbed, excited, or troubled manner. While someone might be distracted when agitated, being agitated doesn't directly mean being inattentive; one can be agitated and still highly focused on the source of agitation. It is not the direct opposite of "absently".
  4. dreamily: This adverb means in a manner suggesting daydreams or thoughts far from the immediate reality; vaguely or wistfully. This meaning is quite similar to "absently", as both imply a lack of focus on the present situation. It is not the opposite of "absently".

Identifying the Antonym of 'Absently'

We are looking for the word that means the opposite of being inattentive or preoccupied. Comparing the options:

  • Absently <> Capably (No, different concepts)
  • Absently <> Alertly (Yes, inattentive vs. attentive)
  • Absently <> Agitatedly (No, different states of mind)
  • Absently <> Dreamily (No, similar concept)

The word that most directly contrasts with the lack of attention indicated by "absently" is "alertly", which signifies being fully attentive and aware.

Conclusion

Based on the analysis of the meanings, the word opposite in meaning to "absently" is "alertly".

Revision Table: Word Meanings

Word Meaning Opposite of Absently?
Absently Inattentively, preoccupied, without focus N/A (The word itself)
Capably Competently, skillfully No
Alertly Attentively, watchfully, wide-awake Yes
Agitatedly Disturbed, excited, troubled No
Dreamily Vaguely, lost in thought, wistfully No (Similar)

Additional Information: Antonyms and Context

Antonyms are words that have opposite meanings. Understanding antonyms is crucial for building vocabulary and comprehending nuances in language. The context in which a word is used can sometimes slightly influence its most appropriate antonym, but for an adverb like "absently" describing the manner of an action, the opposite manner of action (attentively) is usually straightforward.

In this sentence, "He nodded absently throughout the meeting," the opposite would describe him nodding with full attention and awareness of what was happening in the meeting. "Alertly" fits this description perfectly.

Was this answer helpful?

Similar Questions

  1. Directions: Each item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word/words followed by four options. Select the option that is opposite in meaning  to the underlined word/words and mark your response in your Answer Sheet accordingly.

    This T.V. has many indigenous components.

  2. Directions: item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words. Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response in your Answer Sheet accordingly.

    His ostentatious behaviour surprised everyone.

  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 flood situation during the monsoon this year was calamitous.

  4. Directions : Each 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 nearest in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response in your Answer Sheet accordingly.

    Sachin is very cooperative by nature.
  5. Directions: Each 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 your Answer Sheet accordingly.

    His sartorial manner is judged.
  6. Directions: Each 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 your Answer Sheet accordingly.

    His perspicacity was remarkable.
  7. Directions: Each 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 accordingly.

    He has a penchant for spicy food.
  8. 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 your Answer Sheet accordingly.

    Sachin is very fickle in his behaviour.

  9. Direction: Select the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response in your answer sheet accordingly.

    His charm lies in hisoratory.
  10. Direction: Each item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word/words followed by four words. Select the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word/words and mark your response in your Answer Sheet accordingly.

    The judge told that he would analyze the evidence and then deliver  the verdict.


Important Questions from Synonyms or Antonyms

  1. A sentence with an underlined word is given below. Select the most appropriate antonym for the underlined word.

    Whether the rewards arein commensurate withthe efforts or not, a society will always have workaholics and the shirk workgroups.

  2. The following question consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words. Select the word that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response accordingly.

    Wars leave behind a large number ofemaciatedsoldiers in the camps of both the victorious and the vanquished.

  3. A sentence with an underlined word is given below. Select the most appropriate antonym for the underlined word.

    There was amammothgathering to listen to the leader.

  4. The following question consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words. Select the word that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response accordingly.

    The audience thoroughly enjoyed thehilariousdrama.

  5. A sentence with an underlined word is given below. Select the most appropriate antonym for the underlined word.

    The writer’seruditionin science is revealed in every page of the book.

Need Expert Advice?
Test Series
NDA img
Defence
NDA 2026 Mock Test Series (Latest Pattern)
503 Tests 1 Tests Free
1066 Attempts
4.6(137)
English, Hindi

Start Your Preparation with Prepp Mobile App

Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Prepp Mobile App