Match the words given in LIST-I with their opposites given in LIST-II.
| LIST-I (Words) | LIST-II (Antonyms) | ||
| A. | Trenchant | I. | Dearth |
| B. | Superfluous | II. | Affluence |
| C. | Cheerful | III. | Solemn |
| D. | Penury | IV. | Vacillating |
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → A-IV, B-I, C-III, D-II
| List-I | List-II | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| A. Trenchant | IV. Vacillating | Trenchant means sharp, clear and forceful (a trenchant comment); vacillating means unable to decide, wavering between opinions. Forceful and clear-cut is opposed to wavering, so vacillating is the antonym among List-II. | The editor's trenchant remarks ended the debate. |
| B. Superfluous | I. Dearth | Superfluous means more than is needed; dearth means a shortage. Excess and shortage are opposite ideas. | Cut out the superfluous words in your essay. |
| C. Cheerful | III. Solemn | Cheerful means happy and bright; solemn means serious and grave. They are antonyms. | The mood was solemn at the memorial service. |
| D. Penury | II. Affluence | Penury means extreme poverty; affluence means great wealth. They are antonyms. | The poet died in penury, though his books later sold well. |
The following words have also been asked in other CUET (UG) English papers:
| Word | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| trenchant | 30-05 S1 | – | – | – | – |
| superfluous | – | – | – | 30-05 S2 | – |
| penury | 13-05 S1 22-05 S2 | – | – | – | – |
| dearth | 13-05 S1 30-05 S2 | – | – | – | – |
| affluence | – | 26-05 S1 | 29-05 S1 | – | – |
| vacillate | 14-05 S1 | – | – | – | – |