From the given options, select the word which is opposite in meaning to the word:
empathy
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Insensitivity
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person, as if one were in that person's place. Its antonym is insensitivity.
Example: A good nurse treats patients with empathy.
| Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| (1) Original | new and not copied, or the first of its kind (it has nothing to do with feelings) | The museum has the original painting, not a copy. |
| (2) Vigorous | strong, active and full of energy | The doctor advised thirty minutes of vigorous exercise daily. |
| (3) Insensitivity (answer) | a lack of awareness of, or care for, other people's feelings (empathy feels with others, while insensitivity ignores their feelings) | His insensitivity to his friend's loss upset everyone. |
| (4) Stubbornness | refusing to change one's mind (its opposite is flexibility, not empathy) | His stubbornness cost the team the deal. |
| Synonyms of empathy: compassion, understanding, sympathy, sensitivity Antonyms of empathy: insensitivity, indifference, callousness, coldness Also asked in CUET (UG): empathy – 21-06-2023 Slot 1, 15-06-2023 Slot 3, 23-08-2022 Slot 1 |