Select the word that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word in the following sentence:
The chief guest’s pompous speech, full of long words and endless praise of his own work, left the students yawning.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Unassuming
In the given sentence, pompous means full of self-importance and fond of showing it with grand words. Its antonym is unassuming. Example: The pompous guest talked only about his big house and foreign trips.
| Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| (1) Pretentious | trying to look more important or clever than one really is (a synonym of pompous) | The restaurant used pretentious French names for simple Indian dishes. |
| (2) Unassuming (answer) | modest, not trying to show how important one is (opposite of pompous) | Even after topping the state, Neha stayed unassuming and thanked her teachers. |
| (3) Insipid | without taste, or dull and without interest | The hostel dal was so insipid that we added pickle to it. |
| (4) Brusque | short and rude in speech or manner | The ticket clerk gave a brusque answer and shut the window. |
| Synonyms of pompous: pretentious, self-important, arrogant, conceited Antonyms of pompous: unassuming, modest, humble |