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), and 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. |
| Also asked in CUET (UG): trenchant – 30-05-2026 Slot 1 superfluous – 30-05-2023 Slot 2 penury – 22-05-2026 Slot 2, 13-05-2026 Slot 1 dearth – 30-05-2026 Slot 2, 13-05-2026 Slot 1 affluence – 26-05-2025 Slot 1, 29-05-2024 Slot 1 vacillate – 14-05-2026 Slot 1 |