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Question

Select the most appropriate antonym of the given word.

Hostile

This question was previously asked in
SSC CGL 2019 (Tier 2) GS Finance & Economics Previous Year Paper (17-Nov-2020)
The correct answer is

Amiable

Understanding the Word Hostile

The question asks for the most appropriate antonym of the word "Hostile". An antonym is a word that has the opposite meaning of another word.

The word "Hostile" means showing or feeling opposition or dislike; unfriendly. It describes someone or something that is antagonistic or shows hostility towards others.

Analyzing the Options

Let's examine each option provided to determine which word is the most appropriate antonym for "Hostile".

  1. Amiable: This word means having or displaying a friendly and pleasant manner. Someone who is amiable is easy to get along with and is generally cheerful and good-natured.
  2. Unfavourable: This word means not favorable; disadvantageous or adverse. It often refers to conditions, opinions, or outcomes that are negative or not beneficial.
  3. Adverse: This word means preventing success or development; harmful; unfavorable. It is often used to describe conditions or effects that are negative and challenging.
  4. Violent: This word means using or involving physical force intended to hurt, damage, or kill someone or something. It relates to behavior involving physical aggression or force.

Finding the Antonym of Hostile

We are looking for a word that means the opposite of unfriendly, antagonistic, or showing dislike. Let's compare "Hostile" with each option:

  • Hostile (unfriendly, antagonistic) vs. Amiable (friendly, pleasant). These words have clearly opposite meanings.
  • Hostile (unfriendly, antagonistic) vs. Unfavourable (not beneficial, negative). While an unfavorable situation might be caused by hostile actions, "unfavourable" itself doesn't directly describe a friendly or positive disposition.
  • Hostile (unfriendly, antagonistic) vs. Adverse (harmful, unfavorable). Similar to "unfavorable," "adverse" describes negative conditions rather than a friendly disposition.
  • Hostile (unfriendly, antagonistic) vs. Violent (using physical force). While hostile behavior can sometimes be violent, "violent" specifically refers to physical force, whereas "hostile" refers to the underlying unfriendly attitude or opposition, which may or may not involve physical violence.

Based on the meanings, "Amiable" is the word that most directly represents the opposite of "Hostile". Where "Hostile" indicates unfriendliness and opposition, "Amiable" indicates friendliness and pleasantness.

Comparison of Hostile and Options
Word Meaning Relationship to Hostile
Hostile Unfriendly, antagonistic, showing dislike Base word
Amiable Friendly, pleasant Opposite meaning (Antonym)
Unfavourable Not beneficial, negative Related concept, but not direct opposite of disposition
Adverse Harmful, unfavorable Similar to Unfavourable, describes negative conditions
Violent Using physical force to harm Possible consequence of hostile behavior, but not direct opposite of the attitude

Therefore, the most appropriate antonym of "Hostile" is "Amiable".

Revision Table: Key Vocabulary for Hostile Antonym

Word Type Meaning Antonym
Hostile Adjective Unfriendly; antagonistic Amiable

Additional Information: Exploring Antonyms and Synonyms

Understanding antonyms and synonyms is crucial for expanding vocabulary and improving language skills. Let's look at some related terms:

  • Synonyms for Hostile: Antagonistic, unfriendly, inimical, ill-disposed, aggressive, belligerent.
  • Antonyms for Hostile: Friendly, amiable, cordial, genial, welcoming, amicable, hospitable.
  • Usage examples:
    • Original: "The crowd was hostile towards the speaker."
    • Using Antonym: "The audience was amiable towards the guest presenter."

Choosing the best antonym depends on the specific context, but "Amiable" is a strong and general opposite for "Hostile" when describing a person's disposition or attitude.

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