Question

Against the given word, there are some alternatives, one of which is either similar in meaning (synonym) or opposite in meaning (antonym) to the word. Find out which of the given alternatives is either a synonym or an antonym of the word.
BELLICOSE.
a) Amusing
b) Hostile
c) Errant
d) Naval

Answer 1

Hint: The word ‘bellicose’ means willingness to quarrel, inclined to start fights or wars.
Example: His speech was totally bellicose.
To figure out the synonyms, we will look for similar meaning words as ‘bellicose’ and to figure out antonyms we will look for contrary meaning words to the word ‘bellicose’.

Complete step by step solution:
Let us discuss the above given options to figure out which word is either a synonym or an antonym of the word ‘bellicose’.

a) Amusing: The word ‘amusing’ means entertaining, causing a smile or laughter.
Example: The host of the show was quite amusing.
Example: That was a pretty amusing joke.

b) Hostile: The word ‘hostile’ means holding grudges for someone, showing unfriendly feelings, disagreement with something or someone.
Example: He turned hostile after he was denied more wine.
Example: The audience in the stadium was quite hostile.

c) Errant: The word ‘errant’ means misbehaving, disobeying, moving aimlessly, straying out of bounds.
Example: His child is turning errant because of the company he keeps.
Example: An errant cow suddenly came in the middle of the road.

d) Naval: The word ‘naval’ means anything that is connected with the navy.
Example: He is a naval officer.
Example: The naval forces will take the charge now.

Hence, the correct answer is option b.

Note: The word ‘hostile’ is similar in meaning to the word ‘bellicose’, therefore, it is a synonym of the given word. The other words have different but not opposite meanings to the given word. Therefore, there is no antonym of the word ‘bellicose’ in the given options.