Select the word opposite in meaning to the word: Resonant

The correct answer is Option (2) → Cacophonous

Note: The given answer is as per the official NTA Answer Key. However, more than one answer is possible here: Option (2) "Cacophonous" and Option (3) "Smothered" can both be taken as opposites of "resonant", as explained below.

Resonant describes a sound that is deep, clear and full, and goes on ringing. It is usually a pleasing quality.
Example: The singer has a rich, resonant voice.

Option 1: Resounding — Incorrect. Resounding means loud and echoing, a synonym of resonant.
Example: The door shut with a resounding bang.

Option 2: Cacophonous — Correct (Answer as per NTA). Cacophonous means harsh and unpleasant to hear, a jarring mix of sounds. A rich, pleasing sound and a harsh, jarring one are opposite in quality.
Example: The cacophonous traffic horns gave me a headache.

Option 3: Smothered — Can also be considered as correct. Smothered (of a sound) means muffled or held back, so that it does not ring out. A sound that rings out fully and one that is muffled are opposite in strength and clarity.
Example: We heard a smothered laugh from the back of the class.

Option 4: Pulsating — Incorrect. Pulsating means beating or throbbing with a strong rhythm. It describes a lively sound, not the opposite of a resonant one.
Example: The hall was filled with pulsating music.

 

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