In the following question, out of the given four alternatives, select the one which is opposite in meaning of the given word.
Flexible
Understanding the Opposite Meaning of Dogmatic
The question asks us to find the word that is opposite in meaning to 'Dogmatic' from the given options. To answer this, we need to understand the meaning of the word 'Dogmatic' and then examine the meanings of the provided alternatives.
Definition of Dogmatic
The word 'Dogmatic' describes a person or a statement that lays down principles as undeniably true, without considering evidence or the opinions of others. A dogmatic person is often rigid, inflexible, and insistent on their beliefs or opinions being correct.
- Synonyms for Dogmatic include: opinionated, dictatorial, rigid, inflexible, unyielding, insistent.
Analyzing the Options
Let's look at the meaning of each option provided:
- Flexible: Able to be easily modified or changed; willing to change or compromise. Someone who is flexible is adaptable and open to new ideas or different ways of doing things.
- Arrogant: Having or revealing an exaggerated sense of one's own importance or abilities. This relates to pride and self-importance, not necessarily flexibility or rigidity in beliefs.
- Formal: Done in accordance with convention or etiquette; suitable for a formal occasion. This describes a style or manner, not a person's rigidity or flexibility in beliefs.
- Stubborn: Having or showing dogged determination not to change one's attitude or position on something, especially in spite of good arguments or reasons to do so. This is very similar in meaning to 'Dogmatic'; stubbornness is a characteristic of being dogmatic.
Identifying the Opposite
We are looking for the opposite of 'Dogmatic'. 'Dogmatic' means rigid and unwilling to change one's views. The opposite of being rigid and unwilling to change is being adaptable and willing to change. Looking at the options:
- Flexible means willing to change and adapt.
- Arrogant means having excessive pride.
- Formal means adhering to rules or customs.
- Stubborn means unwilling to change (which is a synonym of Dogmatic).
Clearly, 'Flexible' is the word that means the opposite of being rigid, unyielding, and unwilling to consider other views, which are characteristics of being 'Dogmatic'.
Conclusion
Based on the analysis of the word meanings, the opposite of 'Dogmatic' is 'Flexible'.
| Word | Meaning | Relationship to Dogmatic |
|---|---|---|
| Dogmatic | Laying down principles as undeniably true; rigid in beliefs. | Given word |
| Flexible | Able to be easily changed or adapted; willing to compromise. | Opposite (Antonym) |
| Arrogant | Having excessive self-importance. | Unrelated meaning |
| Formal | Adhering to rules or customs; structured. | Unrelated meaning |
| Stubborn | Unwilling to change one's attitude or position. | Similar meaning (Synonym) |
Revision Table: Dogmatic and its Opposite
| Word | Type | Meaning Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Dogmatic | Adjective | Rigid, opinionated, unwilling to change views. |
| Flexible | Adjective | Adaptable, willing to change, open to new ideas. |
Additional Information: Expanding Vocabulary
Understanding antonyms and synonyms helps build a strong vocabulary. Let's explore more words related to 'Dogmatic' and 'Flexible'.
- Words similar to Dogmatic: Adamant, opinionated, prejudiced, doctrinaire, authoritative, unshakeable.
- Words similar to Flexible: Adaptable, pliable, versatile, adjustable, open-minded, amenable, compliant.
- Other antonyms for Dogmatic: Open-minded, amenable, yielding, adaptable, reasonable.
Knowing these related words can help you understand nuances in meaning and use words more precisely in different contexts.
Important Questions from Synonyms or Antonyms
Replace the question mark with an option that follows the same logic applied in the first pair.
Tranquil: Violent :: Belligerent: ??
Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the underlined word in the given sentence.
The nurse gave explicit instructions not to touch anything.Select the most appropriate synonym of the highlighted word in the given sentence.
Even during the crisis, she remained phlegmatic, calmly analysing the situation without showing any sign of panic.Select the most appropriate synonym of the highlighted word in the given sentence.
After weeks of healthy eating, I had a serious hankering for a juicy burger and fries.Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the underlined word in the given sentence.
The company's decision to downsize was intended to increase profitability.
