Read the passage and answer the question:

India today presents a very mixed picture of hope and anguish of remarkable advances and at the same time of inertia; of a new spirit and also the dead hand of the past and of privileges; of an overall and growing unity and many disruptive tendencies. Withal there is a great vitality and ferment in people’s minds and activities. It is remarkable thing that a country and people rooted in this remote past, who have shown so much resistance to change in the past; should now be marching forward rapidly and with resolute steps.

Choose the antonym for the word ‘anguish' :

Question

Read the passage and answer the question:

India today presents a very mixed picture of hope and anguish of remarkable advances and at the same time of inertia; of a new spirit and also the dead hand of the past and of privileges; of an overall and growing unity and many disruptive tendencies. Withal there is a great vitality and ferment in people’s minds and activities. It is remarkable thing that a country and people rooted in this remote past, who have shown so much resistance to change in the past; should now be marching forward rapidly and with resolute steps.

Choose the antonym for the word ‘anguish' :

Accepted Answer

The task is to identify the antonym for the word "anguish" from the given options. The correct answer is Option 1: "ecstasy." Let's explore why this is the correct choice and why the other options are incorrect.

1. **Explanation for Option 1: Ecstasy**
   - "Anguish" refers to severe mental or physical pain or suffering. It is a state of extreme distress or anxiety. The antonym of "anguish" would be a word that represents a state of extreme happiness or joy, which is the opposite of suffering.
   - "Ecstasy" is defined as an overwhelming feeling of great happiness or joyful excitement. It represents a state of intense pleasure and delight, which is directly opposite to the pain and suffering associated with "anguish."
   - Therefore, "ecstasy" is the correct antonym for "anguish," as it embodies the concept of joy and happiness, contrasting the distress and suffering implied by "anguish."

2. **Explanation for why other options are incorrect:**

- **Option 2: Agony**
     - "Agony" is synonymous with "anguish." It refers to extreme physical or mental suffering. Since both "anguish" and "agony" describe similar states of distress, "agony" cannot be an antonym for "anguish."

- **Option 3: Excruciation**
     - "Excruciation" refers to intense pain or torture. Like "anguish," it denotes severe suffering. Therefore, it is not an antonym but rather a synonym or a word with a similar meaning to "anguish."

- **Option 4: Affliction**
     - "Affliction" means something that causes pain or suffering. It is another term that aligns with the meaning of "anguish," indicating distress or hardship. Thus, it cannot serve as an antonym for "anguish."

In conclusion, Option 1: "ecstasy" is the correct antonym for "anguish" because it represents a state of extreme happiness and joy, which is the opposite of the suffering and distress associated with "anguish." The other options are incorrect as they all describe states of pain or suffering, similar to "anguish."