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Question

Directions: Each of the sentences in the following choices. Select an underlined word, followed by four improves/corrects the most appropriate option that the underlined of the sentence, word in the context Answer Sheet accordingly.

The attitude of the whalers was marked by antipathy towards the marine life they had to encounter.

This question was previously asked in
CDS 2 2025 Maths Question Paper (14-Sep-2025)
The correct answer is
animus

Explaining Whalers' Attitude: Antipathy vs. Animus

The question focuses on the specific attitude ('antipathy') whalers held towards marine life.

Understanding Key Terms

  • Antipathy: This word means a deep-seated feeling of dislike or aversion. It suggests a strong, ingrained negative feeling towards something or someone.
  • Animus: This term refers to hostility, ill will, or a settled dislike. It often implies a stronger, more active sense of opposition or antagonism than simple dislike.

Analyzing the Whalers' Attitude

The question states the whalers' attitude was characterized by 'antipathy'. This means they had a strong dislike or aversion towards the marine life they encountered during their activities.

Let's look at the options in relation to 'antipathy':

  • Sympathy: Feeling pity or sorrow for someone's misfortune. This is contrary to antipathy.
  • Empathy: The ability to understand and share the feelings of another. This is also contrary to antipathy.
  • Indifference: Lack of interest, concern, or sympathy. While negative, indifference doesn't convey the active dislike implied by antipathy.
  • Animus: Hostility or ill feeling. This word closely matches the meaning of 'antipathy', representing a strong negative and potentially active dislike or antagonism towards the marine life.

Conclusion

Given that 'antipathy' signifies a strong dislike and aversion, 'animus' is the most fitting word among the choices to describe the whalers' hostile attitude towards marine life.

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