"If you are looking for a history of India, or for an account of the rise and fall of the British Raj, or for the reason of the cleaving of the subcontinent into two mutually antagonistic parts and the effects, this mutilation will have in the respective sections, and ultimately on Asia, you will not find it in these pages; for though I have spent a lifetime in the country. I lived too near the seat of events, and was too intimately associated with the actors, to get the perspective needed for the impartial recording of these matters".
Hostile
Understanding the Word 'Antagonistic' in Context
The question asks us to find the closest meaning to the word 'antagonistic' as used in the given passage. To accurately determine its meaning, we need to carefully read the sentence in which it appears and consider the overall context of the passage.
The relevant part of the sentence is: "the reason of the cleaving of the subcontinent into two mutually antagonistic parts".
Defining 'Antagonistic'
The word 'antagonistic' is an adjective that describes something showing or feeling active opposition or hostility toward someone or something. It implies a strong sense of unfriendliness or conflict.
Contextual Analysis of 'Antagonistic'
In the passage, 'antagonistic' is used to describe the relationship between the "two mutually antagonistic parts" of the subcontinent after its division. The word "mutually" further emphasizes that this opposition or unfriendliness existed between both parts, directed towards each other. This suggests a state of conflict, opposition, or deep-seated ill will between them.
Analyzing the Options
Let's examine each of the provided options to see which one aligns most closely with the meaning of 'antagonistic' in this specific context:
- Impartial: This means treating all rivals or disputants equally; unbiased. This is the opposite of 'antagonistic', as 'antagonistic' implies a strong bias or opposition. Therefore, this option is incorrect.
- Argumentative: This means given to arguing; contentious. While an argumentative relationship might involve some antagonism, 'argumentative' primarily refers to the act of debating or quarreling with words. 'Antagonistic' suggests a deeper, more inherent opposition or hostility, which might or might not always manifest as direct arguments. It's not the closest fit for the underlying nature of the relationship described.
- Separated: This means divided or disconnected. The passage explicitly states "cleaving of the subcontinent into two... parts," which means they were separated. However, 'separated' describes the physical state of being apart, not the nature of the relationship *between* those parts. 'Antagonistic' describes the *nature* of their interaction or feeling towards each other, which is hostile, not merely separated.
- Hostile: This means unfriendly; antagonistic. 'Hostile' perfectly captures the essence of active opposition, unfriendliness, or ill will. When two parts are "mutually antagonistic," it means they are mutually hostile towards each other. This meaning aligns very well with the negative and opposing relationship implied by the division of the subcontinent.
Conclusion
Based on the definition and contextual analysis, the word 'hostile' is the closest in meaning to 'antagonistic'. It accurately describes the state of active opposition and unfriendliness between the two parts of the subcontinent as implied by the passage.
Important Questions from Verbal Deduction
Two very famous sportsmen Mark and Steve happened to be brothers, and played for country K. Mark teased James, an opponent from country E, “There is no way you are good enough to play for your country.” James replied, “Maybe not, but at least I am the best player in my own family.” Which one of the following can be inferred from this conversation?
“Her _______ should not be confused with miserliness; she is ever willing to assist those in need.”
The word that best fills the blank in the above sentence is:
Once the team of analysts identifies the problem, we _________ in a better position to comment on the issue.
Which one of the following choices CANNOT fill the given blank?The minister avoided any mention of the issue of women’s reservation in the private sector. He was accused of _____ the issue.
The unruly crowd demanded that the accused be _____________ without trial.
