Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the word 'polite' in the given sentence.

The rude and insensitive murderer pleaded for mercy in the court.

Rude

The most appropriate antonym of the word polite in the given sentence is rude.

• Polite means showing good manners and consideration for others.
• Rude means showing a lack of respect for others.

Therefore, the antonym of polite must mean the opposite of showing good manners and consideration for others. Of the above choices, only rude has the opposite meaning of polite.

The other choices are not antonyms of polite.

• Pleaded means to ask for something earnestly. This is not the opposite of polite, as polite does not refer to asking for something.
• Mercy means compassion or forgiveness. This is not the opposite of polite, as polite does not refer to compassion or forgiveness.
• Insensitive means not showing or feeling sympathy or understanding for others. This is not the opposite of polite, as polite does not refer to sympathy or understanding.