Choose the word closest in meaning to the underlined word from the given options:-
His tepid response to all the proposed activities, dampened our spirits.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → unenthusiastic
- Tepid (from the Latin tepidus, lukewarm) literally means only slightly warm; said of a response or a feeling, it means showing little interest or enthusiasm. His lukewarm, half-hearted reaction dampened everyone's spirits.
Example: The film got a tepid response from the audience. - Unenthusiastic means not showing interest or eagerness. A tepid response is an unenthusiastic one, so unenthusiastic is the synonym.
Example: The students were unenthusiastic about the extra class.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: overwhelming — Incorrect. Overwhelming means very great or very strong; an overwhelming response is the very opposite of a lukewarm one.
Example: The team received an overwhelming welcome at the airport.
Option 3: excited — Incorrect. Excited means very happy and eager; it is nearly the opposite of tepid.
Example: The children were excited about the school trip.
Option 4: angry — Incorrect. Angry means feeling strong displeasure; a tepid response shows a lack of feeling, not anger.
Example: The passengers were angry about the delay.
| Synonyms (Tepid) | Antonyms (Tepid) |
|---|---|
| unenthusiastic | enthusiastic |
| lukewarm | excited |
| half-hearted | eager |
| apathetic | passionate |