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Question

The speech given by him seemed to be INNOCUOUS but there were undercurrents that implied the contrary:-
The ANTONYM of the word INNOCUOUS is:

The correct answer is
Harmful

Understanding the Antonym of INNOCUOUS

The question asks us to find the antonym, which means the opposite meaning, of the word INNOCUOUS as used in the provided sentence.

Analyzing the Sentence Context

The sentence is: "The speech given by him seemed to be INNOCUOUS but there were undercurrents that implied the contrary:-"

  • The word "INNOCUOUS" describes how the speech initially appeared.
  • The word "but" indicates a contrast between the appearance and the reality.
  • The phrase "implied the contrary" tells us that the undercurrents suggested something opposite to the initial appearance.

Therefore, if the speech seemed harmless (INNOCUOUS), the "contrary" undercurrents must have suggested something harmful or dangerous.

Defining INNOCUOUS

The word INNOCUOUS means something that is not harmful, injurious, or offensive. It describes something or someone as harmless.

Evaluating the Options

Let's look at the meaning of each option:

  • 1. Inoffensive: This means not causing offense or unpleasantness. It is very similar in meaning to INNOCUOUS, making it a synonym, not an antonym.
  • 2. Harmful: This means causing or able to cause harm or damage. This is the direct opposite of being harmless (INNOCUOUS).
  • 3. Gentle: This means having or showing a mild, kind, or tender temperament or character. While related to being non-aggressive, it's not the direct opposite of causing harm.
  • 4. Insightful: This means having or showing an accurate and deep understanding. This relates to the content or quality of understanding, not whether something is harmful or not.

Conclusion

Based on the definition of INNOCUOUS and the context provided ("implied the contrary"), the word that means the opposite of harmless is Harmful.

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Important Questions from Synonyms or Antonyms

  1. Directions: Each item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four options, (a), (b), (c) and (d). Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response accordingly.

    He had the audacity to blame him.

  2. Directions: Each item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four options, (a), (b), (c) and (d). Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response accordingly.

    There is exponential growth in the development of the scientific researches in the recent few decades.

  3. Directions : Item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words/group of words (a), (b), (c) and (d). Select the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response in the Answer Sheet accordingly.

    The itinerary of the group’s visit to the hills was given to everyone. 

  4. Directions : Item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words/group of words (a), (b), (c) and (d). Select the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response in the Answer Sheet accordingly.

    All mortal elements are impermanent.

  5. Directions : Item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words (a), (b), (c) and (d). Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response in the Answer Sheet accordingly.

    The novel depicts the hapless status of certain sections of society.  

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