Choose the most appropriate antonym of the underlined word.
The clerk’s brusque reply upset the old man who had waited in the queue for an hour.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Courteous
In the given sentence, brusque means short and rough in speech, not polite. Its antonym is courteous. Example: The doctor was brusque and left before we could ask anything.
| Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| (1) Curt | rudely short in speech (a synonym of brusque) | She gave a curt nod and walked away. |
| (2) Hasty | done too quickly (a brusque reply is often hasty too, so it is close in meaning, not the opposite) | Do not take a hasty decision about your college. |
| (3) Courteous (answer) | polite and kind in speech and manner (opposite of brusque) | The courteous guard helped the old lady cross the road. |
| (4) Nervous | worried or afraid | Sameer felt nervous before his first stage show. |
| Synonyms of brusque: curt, abrupt, blunt, gruff Antonyms of brusque: courteous, polite, gracious, gentle |