Select the word that is the exact opposite of the word Antagonism in meaning from the given options:-
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Cordiality
- Antagonism means active hostility or opposition between people or groups. It comes from the Greek "antagonizesthai" (to struggle against).
Example: There was open antagonism between the two rival teams. - Cordiality means warmth and friendliness. Friendly warmth is the opposite of hostility, so cordiality is the antonym.
Example: The guests were received with great cordiality.
Roots: antagonism is from the Greek "anti" (against) + "agon" (contest), a struggle against someone; cordiality is from the Latin "cor, cordis" (heart), warmth that comes from the heart.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: Hostility — Incorrect. Hostility means unfriendly, aggressive behaviour; it is a synonym of antagonism.
Example: The new neighbours were met with hostility.
Option 3: Animosity — Incorrect. Animosity means strong dislike or ill will; it is also a synonym.
Example: There is no animosity between the two leaders.
Option 4: Enmity — Incorrect. Enmity means the state of being enemies; it too is a synonym.
Example: The old enmity between the families ended with the marriage.
| Synonyms (Antagonism) | Antonyms (Antagonism) |
|---|---|
| hostility | cordiality |
| animosity | friendliness |
| enmity | goodwill |
| opposition | harmony |
The following words have also been asked in other CUET (UG) English papers:
| Word | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| antagonism | – | – | – | 24-05 S1 | – |
| cordiality | 18-05 S1 | – | – | 24-05 S1 | – |
| animosity | – | 23-05 S1 | – | 24-05 S1 | – |
| enmity | – | – | – | 24-05 S1 08-06 S1 | 17-08 S2 |