Question

Choose the word which is closest to the opposite in meaning to the underlined word.
Her impetuous behaviour was attributed to her upbringing
a. poised
b. rash
c. gentle
d. sluggish

Answer 1

Hint: Impetuous is an adjective which means to act quickly or in an impulsive manner.

Complete answer:
From the hint given to us, we understand the meaning of impetuous. Let us observe its usage in a sentence.
For example: Her impetuous decisions are the cause of her downfall.
Let us analyse the given options to find the correct answer.
- Poised means to be self assured and composed. It is an adjective.
For example: She was praised by many for her graceful and poised behaviour.
We observe that it is not close to the opposite meaning of impetuous. Hence, we can say that option ‘a’ is not the correct answer.
- Rash means to act without considering the consequences. It is an adjective.
For example: Rash driving has led to several road accidents.
We observe that it is not close to the opposite meaning of impetuous. Hence, we can say that option ‘b’ is not the correct answer.
- Gentle means to be soft or sensitive. It is an adjective.
For example: Her hands were gentle to touch.
We observe that it is not close to the opposite meaning of impetuous. Hence, we can say that option ‘c’ is not the correct answer.
- Sluggish means inactive or slow to respond. It is an adjective.
For example: She increasingly lost out on a lot of opportunities due to her sluggish behaviour.
We observe that it is close to the opposite meaning of impetuous. Hence, we can say that option ‘d’ is the correct answer.

> Thus, option ‘d’ - sluggish is the correct answer.

Note: Impetuous also means to act without care or thinking. Sluggish in general means to be lazy and lethargic.