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Question

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.

He is always obdurate in his behaviour towards other people.

This question was previously asked in
NDA I 2021 GAT Previous Year Paper (18-Apr-2021)
The correct answer is

flexible

Understanding the Word 'Obdurate'

The question asks for the word that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word 'obdurate'. Let's first understand the meaning of 'obdurate'.

The word 'obdurate' is an adjective. It is used to describe someone who is stubbornly refusing to change their opinion or course of action. They are unyielding, resistant to persuasion or softening.

In the sentence "He is always obdurate in his behaviour towards other people," it means he consistently acts in a stubborn and unyielding way, refusing to change his mind or actions despite potential reasons to do so.

Analysing the Options

Now let's look at the given options and understand their meanings:

  • (a) flexible: This word describes someone or something that is able to change or be changed easily according to the situation. A flexible person is adaptable and open to new ideas or different courses of action.
  • (b) callous: This word describes someone showing or having an insensitive and cruel disregard for others. It relates to a lack of feeling or sympathy towards others.
  • (c) insensible: This word can mean either without one's mental faculties (unconscious) or unaware of, indifferent to, or unaffected by something. It relates to a lack of physical sensation or emotional awareness.
  • (d) obnoxious: This word describes someone or something that is extremely unpleasant or offensive. It relates to causing annoyance or strong dislike.

Finding the Opposite Meaning

We are looking for the antonym, the word opposite in meaning to 'obdurate' (stubborn, unyielding). Let's compare the meaning of 'obdurate' with each option:

  • 'Obdurate' means stubborn and unwilling to change. 'Flexible' means easily changed or adapted. These two meanings are directly opposite.
  • 'Callous' means insensitive or cruel. This is not the opposite of stubbornness.
  • 'Insensible' means unaware or indifferent, or unconscious. This is not the opposite of stubbornness.
  • 'Obnoxious' means unpleasant or offensive. This is not the opposite of stubbornness.

Therefore, the word that is opposite in meaning to 'obdurate' is 'flexible'.

Conclusion

Based on the analysis of the meanings, 'flexible' is the clear antonym of 'obdurate'. An obdurate person is rigid and unwilling to change, while a flexible person is adaptable and willing to change.

Word Meaning Relationship to Obdurate
Obdurate Stubbornly refusing to change opinion or action. Underlined word
Flexible Able to change easily; adaptable. Opposite (Antonym)
Callous Insensitive; cruel disregard for others. Different meaning
Insensible Unaware; indifferent; unconscious. Different meaning
Obnoxious Extremely unpleasant; offensive. Different meaning

Revision Table: Obdurate Antonym

Here's a quick summary to help you revise:

Word Meaning Antonym/Related
Obdurate Stubborn, unyielding, resistant to persuasion Flexible, yielding, compliant, amenable
Flexible Adaptable, pliable, easy to change Rigid, inflexible, obdurate

Additional Information: Expanding Vocabulary

Understanding synonyms and antonyms helps expand your vocabulary and improve comprehension. Let's look at some related words for 'obdurate' and 'flexible'.

Synonyms for Obdurate:

  • Stubborn
  • Adamant
  • Unyielding
  • Infle xible
  • Resistant

Synonyms for Flexible:

  • Adaptable
  • Pliable
  • Elastic
  • Supple
  • Adjustable

Being able to identify the opposite meaning of a word is a key skill in vocabulary questions. Always consider the context of the sentence when choosing an antonym.

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