Select the most appropriate antonym of the given word.

RUEFUL

Joyful

The correct answer is option 2. Joyful.

"Rueful" typically describes a feeling of regret or sorrow, often with a sense of repentance or disappointment.

The antonym we're looking for should describe the opposite feeling, which would be a feeling of happiness or delight.

"Joyful" fits this description perfectly. It means feeling or causing great happiness or pleasure, contrasting with "rueful," which implies a feeling of regret or sadness.

Therefore, "joyful" is the appropriate antonym for "rueful" because it represents the opposite emotion—happiness or delight instead of regret or sorrow.