Select the word opposite in meaning to the underlined word.
How is one expected to deal with a persistent salesmen who won't take no for an answer?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → vacillating
Persistent means continuing firmly in spite of difficulty or refusal, like the salesman who won't take no for an answer. Its antonym is vacillating.
Example: Her persistent efforts finally got the road repaired.
| Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| (1) unscrupulous | without moral principles, dishonest (it is about honesty, not firmness) | An unscrupulous dealer sold him a stolen phone. |
| (2) tenacious | holding on firmly, not giving up (a synonym of persistent) | The tenacious goalkeeper saved three penalties. |
| (3) vacillating (answer) | wavering between choices, unable to stick to a decision (holding on firmly and constantly changing one's mind are opposites) | He kept vacillating between science and commerce. |
| (4) determined | firmly decided to do something (again close to persistent) | She was determined to finish the marathon. |
| Synonyms of persistent: tenacious, determined, persevering, unrelenting Antonyms of persistent: vacillating, wavering, irresolute, half-hearted Also asked in CUET (UG): unscrupulous – 26-05-2025 Slot 1, 07-06-2023 Slot 2, 20-08-2022 Slot 1 tenacious – 16-05-2025 Slot 1 |