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Question

Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the word ‘Optimistic’ from the given sentence.

After the incident, Radha prepared herself to stay positive even in gloomy days.

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

gloomy

Finding the Antonym of Optimistic

The question asks us to identify the most appropriate ANTONYM of the word ‘Optimistic’ based on the provided sentence: "After the incident, Radha prepared herself to stay positive even in gloomy days."

First, let's understand the meaning of the word ‘Optimistic’.

  • Optimistic: Hopeful and confident about the future; feeling or showing hope for the future.

The sentence describes Radha staying positive "even in gloomy days". The word ‘positive’ in this context is very similar in meaning to ‘Optimistic’. It implies maintaining hope and a good outlook despite difficult circumstances (gloomy days).

An antonym is a word that means the opposite of another word. We are looking for a word from the options that is the opposite of ‘Optimistic’ or ‘positive’.

Let's examine the options:

  • stay: This is a verb meaning to remain in a place or condition. It is not an adjective describing a feeling or outlook. Not an antonym of ‘Optimistic’.
  • incident: This is a noun referring to an event or occurrence. It is not related to feelings or outlook. Not an antonym of ‘Optimistic’.
  • positive: This word is used in the sentence and, as discussed, is a synonym or closely related term to ‘Optimistic’ in this context. We are looking for an antonym, not a synonym.
  • gloomy: This is an adjective that can mean dark or poorly lit, but it also means feeling distressed or pessimistic. In the sentence, "gloomy days" refers to difficult, depressing, or sad days. This state is the opposite of being hopeful, confident, or positive. Therefore, ‘gloomy’ serves as an antonym for ‘positive’ and by extension, ‘Optimistic’, especially in the context of outlook or feeling.

Considering the context of the sentence, 'gloomy' represents the opposite condition or feeling compared to being 'positive' or 'Optimistic'. Radha's effort is to remain 'positive' despite the 'gloomy' circumstances.

Thus, ‘gloomy’ is the most appropriate antonym for ‘Optimistic’ from the given options and sentence context.

Analysis of Options

Option Part of Speech Meaning in Context Antonym of Optimistic?
stay Verb To remain No
incident Noun An event No
positive Adjective Hopeful, constructive (similar to Optimistic) No (It's a synonym/related term)
gloomy Adjective Pessimistic, depressing, dark outlook Yes (Opposite of hopeful/positive)

Conclusion on Antonym Identification

The sentence structure presents 'positive' as a state maintained despite 'gloomy days'. This indicates that 'gloomy' represents the opposing condition to being 'positive' (and therefore 'Optimistic'). Among the given options, 'gloomy' is the only word that serves as an antonym to 'Optimistic' in terms of outlook or feeling.

Revision Table: Understanding Antonyms

Word Meaning Example Antonym
Optimistic Hopeful and confident about the future. Pessimistic, Negative, Gloomy
Positive Constructive, optimistic, or confident. Negative, Pessimistic, Gloomy
Gloomy Feeling or looking distressed or pessimistic. Cheerful, Hopeful, Optimistic

Additional Information on Vocabulary

Understanding antonyms is a key part of building a strong vocabulary. Antonyms help clarify the meaning of words by presenting their opposites. For example, knowing that 'cold' is the antonym of 'hot' helps define both terms more precisely.

In sentence analysis, identifying how words are used in relation to each other (like contrasting 'positive' with 'gloomy') can help determine their meanings and relationships, including identifying synonyms and antonyms within the context.

When looking for an antonym in a sentence, consider the role the word plays and what other words it might be contrasted with directly or indirectly.

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