Which of the following groups of words is opposite to each other ?

Question

Accepted Answer

Option 2, "gullible – shrewd," is the correct answer because these two words are indeed opposites. "Gullible" refers to someone who is easily deceived or tricked, showing a lack of skepticism or critical thinking. On the other hand, "shrewd" describes someone who is astute, sharp, and able to make good judgments, often in a clever or cunning way. Therefore, a gullible person is the opposite of a shrewd person, as one is easily fooled while the other is discerning and perceptive.

Now, let's examine why the other options are incorrect:

1. **Loquacious – talkative**: Both "loquacious" and "talkative" describe someone who tends to talk a lot. They are synonyms rather than opposites. Therefore, this option is incorrect.

3. **Pompous – conceited**: "Pompous" and "conceited" both describe someone who has an inflated sense of self-importance. They are similar in meaning, as both imply arrogance or self-centeredness, rather than being opposites. Hence, this option is incorrect.

4. **Erudite – scholarly**: Both "erudite" and "scholarly" refer to someone who is knowledgeable or well-educated. These words are synonyms, indicating a person who has a lot of learning or expertise, not opposites. Thus, this option is incorrect.

In conclusion, Option 2 is the correct choice because "gullible" and "shrewd" are truly opposite in meaning, while the other options consist of words that are similar rather than opposite.