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Question

Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the word given in brackets to fill in the blank.

Mr. Khanna is quite ___________(callous) towards the victims of earthquake.

This question was previously asked in
SSC CGL 2023 (Tier-II) Paper 1 Previous Year Paper (26-Oct-2023) (Shift-1)
The correct answer is

sympathetic

Finding the Antonym of Callous

The question asks us to select the most appropriate antonym for the word 'callous' to fill in the blank in the sentence: "Mr. Khanna is quite ___________(callous) towards the victims of earthquake."

Let's first understand the meaning of the word 'callous'.

Understanding the Word 'Callous'

The word 'callous' means showing or having an insensitive and cruel disregard for others. A callous person lacks sympathy and feels no emotion or pity for others' suffering. In the context of earthquake victims, being callous would mean being uncaring or indifferent to their plight.

Analyzing the Options for the Antonym

We need to find a word that means the opposite of 'callous'. Let's examine the given options:

  • rationalistic: This relates to acting or thinking based on reason rather than emotion. While reason is important, it is not the direct opposite of lacking sympathy towards victims.
  • unsympathetic: This means lacking sympathy. This is a synonym of 'callous', not an antonym.
  • sympathetic: This means feeling, showing, or expressing sympathy. To be sympathetic towards earthquake victims means to understand and share their feelings, especially sorrow or pity. This is the direct opposite of being callous.
  • nondiplomatic: This means not characterized by tact and sensitivity when dealing with others. While related to interpersonal skills, it doesn't directly address the lack of feeling or pity associated with 'callousness' towards suffering.

Identifying the Correct Antonym

Based on the analysis, the word that is the most appropriate antonym for 'callous' in the context of feelings towards victims is 'sympathetic'. Being sympathetic means showing care and understanding, which is the opposite of being insensitive and uncaring (callous).

Therefore, the completed sentence with the appropriate antonym is:

Mr. Khanna is quite sympathetic towards the victims of earthquake.

The word 'sympathetic' fits perfectly as the opposite of 'callous' in this context.

Revision Table: Key Vocabulary

Word Meaning Relation to 'Callous'
Callous Insensitive disregard for others; lacking sympathy. The base word to find the antonym for.
Sympathetic Showing or feeling sympathy; understanding others' suffering. The antonym of 'callous'.
Unsympathetic Lacking sympathy. A synonym of 'callous'.
Rationalistic Based on reason rather than emotion. Not a direct antonym for callousness.
Nondiplomatic Not tactful or sensitive in dealing with others. Not a direct antonym for callousness.

Additional Information: Antonyms and Context

Finding the correct antonym often depends on the specific context in which the word is used. While 'sympathetic' is a strong antonym for 'callous', other words like 'caring', 'compassionate', or 'sensitive' could also be considered antonyms in different situations. However, in the context of showing feelings towards suffering victims, 'sympathetic' is highly appropriate as it directly contrasts the lack of pity implied by 'callous'. Understanding the nuances of word meanings and their opposites is crucial for vocabulary building and effective communication.

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