Choose the most appropriate antonym of the underlined word in the given sentence:
The compassionate nurse sat beside the frightened old patient and held his hand through the night.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Cruel
In the given sentence, compassionate means feeling or showing kindness and concern for those who suffer. Its antonym is cruel. Example: Our compassionate principal let a boy study free after his father lost his job.
| Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| (1) Sympathetic | showing that one understands and cares about another person’s sorrow (a synonym of compassionate) | Ma’am was sympathetic when I missed the test because of fever. |
| (2) Cruel (answer) | causing pain or suffering to others on purpose (opposite of compassionate) | The cruel shopkeeper threw stones at the stray dog. |
| (3) Cautious | careful to avoid danger or mistakes | Be cautious while crossing the busy road near the market. |
| (4) Diligent | working hard and with care | The diligent student revised every chapter twice. |
| Synonyms of compassionate: sympathetic, kind, caring, merciful Antonyms of compassionate: cruel, heartless, callous, unkind |