VerifiedHint: The question clearly states that we need to choose the option which means just the opposite or is closest to being just the opposite of the given word. Recall/figure out the meanings of all the options and choose the one that fits the above description.
Complete solution:
Antonyms are those words that express a meaning opposed to the meaning of another word, in which case the two words are antonyms of each other. In the given question, the word ‘predilection’ refers to a predisposition in favour of something; a strong liking.
Let us analyze the options given to us in this question:
Option (a.), 'antipathy', refers to a feeling of intense dislike; the object of a feeling of intense aversion; something to be avoided. Therefore, option (a.) is correct as its meaning is antonymous to that of the given word ‘predilection’.
Option (b.), ‘ignorance', refers to ‘the lack of knowledge or education.’ Therefore, option (b.) is incorrect as its meaning is not antonymous to that of the given word ‘predilection’.
Option (c.), ‘dissonance', refers to a conflict of people's opinions or actions or characters.’ Therefore, option (c.) is incorrect as its meaning is not antonymous to that of the given word ‘predilection’.
Option (d.), ‘disharmony', refers to a lack of harmony. Therefore, option (d.) is incorrect as its meaning is not antonymous to that of the given word ‘predilection’.
Hence, the correct answer is option ‘a’.
Note: Sometimes the given options in a question where we have to find the opposite of the given word do not exactly mean the opposite of the given word. If this happens, we have to select the option which is the closest to being the antonym to the meaning of the word in the question.
