All Exams Test series for 1 year @ ₹349 only
Question

The following question consists of a sentence with an underlined word/words followed by four words. Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word/words and mark your response accordingly.

Terrorists profess fanatical ideology.

This question was previously asked in
CDS I 2018 Elementary Mathematics Previous Year Paper (04-Feb-2018)
The correct answer is

Moderate

Finding the Opposite Meaning of 'Fanatical'

The question asks us to identify the word that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word 'fanatical' in the sentence: "Terrorists profess fanatical ideology." To answer this, we need to understand the meaning of 'fanatical' and then examine the given options to find its antonym.

Understanding 'Fanatical'

'Fanatical' describes someone or something characterized by excessive enthusiasm, zeal, or obsession, often to an unreasonable degree, especially in religious or political beliefs. A fanatical ideology is one held with extreme, uncritical, and often aggressive fervor.

Analyzing the Options

Let's look at the meanings of the given options:

  • Bigoted: Having or revealing an obstinate belief in the superiority of one's own opinions and a prejudiced intolerance of the opinions of others. This word is similar in nature to 'fanatical' as it implies intolerance and strong, unyielding beliefs. It is not an opposite.
  • Militant: Aggressive or actively supportive of a political or social cause, often involving the use of extreme or violent measures. While often associated with fanatical groups, 'militant' describes a type of action or attitude rather than the intensity of belief itself. It is not the opposite of 'fanatical'.
  • Moderate: Not extreme, excessive, or intense; within reasonable limits. A moderate ideology or person holds beliefs that are not extreme or radical. This word directly contrasts with the intensity and extremity implied by 'fanatical'.
  • Fervid: Intensely enthusiastic or passionate, especially to an excessive degree. 'Fervid' is very close in meaning to 'fanatical', describing intense passion or enthusiasm. It is a synonym, not an opposite.

Determining the Opposite

Comparing the meanings, we see that 'moderate' is the only word that presents a meaning contrary to 'fanatical'. While 'fanatical' implies extremity and excessive zeal, 'moderate' suggests balance, reasonableness, and a lack of extremism.

Conclusion

Based on the analysis of the meanings of the words, the word opposite in meaning to 'fanatical' is 'moderate'.

Word Meanings Comparison
Word Meaning Relationship to 'Fanatical'
Fanatical Excessively zealous, obsessive, extreme in belief The word to find the opposite for
Bigoted Intolerant of different opinions Similar (implies rigidity)
Militant Aggressive/active for a cause Related (often linked to fanaticism)
Moderate Not extreme, within limits Opposite
Fervid Intensely passionate/enthusiastic Similar (synonym)

Revision Table: Vocabulary Antonyms

Key Vocabulary and Antonyms
Word Antonym (Opposite)
Fanatical Moderate
Extreme Moderate
Radical Moderate
Intense Mild, Calm
Zealous Apathetic, Indifferent

Additional Information on Antonyms

Antonyms are words that have opposite meanings. Understanding antonyms is a key part of building vocabulary and improving comprehension. Words can have multiple antonyms depending on the specific context in which they are used. For example, the opposite of 'hot' can be 'cold', 'cool', or 'mild'. In the context of beliefs or ideologies, 'moderate' serves as a clear opposite to 'fanatical', representing a position free from extremism or excessive zeal.

When identifying antonyms, it's helpful to consider the nuance of the word's meaning in the given sentence. In this case, 'fanatical' refers to the intensity and extremity of the ideology, making 'moderate' the most appropriate opposite.

Was this answer helpful?

Similar Questions

  1. A sentence with an underlined word is given below. Select the most appropriate antonym for the underlined word.

    Whether the rewards arein commensurate withthe efforts or not, a society will always have workaholics and the shirk workgroups.

  2. The following question consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words. Select the word that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response accordingly.

    Wars leave behind a large number ofemaciatedsoldiers in the camps of both the victorious and the vanquished.

  3. A sentence with an underlined word is given below. Select the most appropriate antonym for the underlined word.

    There was amammothgathering to listen to the leader.

  4. The following question consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words. Select the word that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response accordingly.

    The audience thoroughly enjoyed thehilariousdrama.

  5. A sentence with an underlined word is given below. Select the most appropriate antonym for the underlined word.

    The writer’seruditionin science is revealed in every page of the book.

  6. A sentence with an underlined word is given below. Select the most appropriate antonym for the underlined word.

    The seminar which Ravi organised proved to be a momentousevent.

  7. A sentence with an underlined word is given below. Select the most appropriate antonym for the underlined word.

    The question is not whether the courtvindicateshim with regard to his involvement in the case, but how he feels about it.

  8. The following question consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words. Select the word that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response accordingly.

    In those days many monarchs enjoyed vastecclesiasticalpowers.

  9. The given sentence has an underlined word followed by four words. Select the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word.

    The differences include increase in mean temperature and heavyprecipitation in several regions. 

  10. The given sentence has an underlined word followed by four words. Select the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word.

    The portal will help victims and complainants to anonymously report cybercrime.


Important Questions from Synonyms or Antonyms

  1. A sentence with an underlined word is given below. Select the most appropriate antonym for the underlined word.

    Whether the rewards arein commensurate withthe efforts or not, a society will always have workaholics and the shirk workgroups.

  2. The following question consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words. Select the word that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response accordingly.

    Wars leave behind a large number ofemaciatedsoldiers in the camps of both the victorious and the vanquished.

  3. A sentence with an underlined word is given below. Select the most appropriate antonym for the underlined word.

    There was amammothgathering to listen to the leader.

  4. The following question consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words. Select the word that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response accordingly.

    The audience thoroughly enjoyed thehilariousdrama.

  5. A sentence with an underlined word is given below. Select the most appropriate antonym for the underlined word.

    The writer’seruditionin science is revealed in every page of the book.

Need Expert Advice?
Test Series
CDS img
Defence
UPSC CDS 2026 Mock Test Series
540 Tests 4 Tests Free
1623 Attempts
4.3(174)
English, Hindi
More Questions from CDS

Start Your Preparation with Prepp Mobile App

Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Prepp Mobile App