The sentence given below consists of an underlined word and is followed by four options. Select the word that is the antonym to the underlined word.
The bill received vehement resistance from the opposition party in the Parliament.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → apathetic
- Vehement means showing strong, forceful feeling. Vehement resistance is fierce, passionate opposition.
Example: The villagers raised a vehement protest against the new factory. - Apathetic means showing no interest, feeling or concern. It comes from the Greek a- (without) and pathos (feeling). Strong feeling against no feeling at all: apathetic is the antonym.
Example: The voters were so apathetic that few turned up at the polls.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: animated — Incorrect. Animated means full of life and energy; it is close to vehement, not opposite.
Example: The friends had an animated discussion about the match.
Option 3: fervent — Incorrect. Fervent means having intense, passionate feeling; it is a synonym of vehement.
Example: She made a fervent appeal for peace.
Option 4: vigorous — Incorrect. Vigorous means strong, energetic and forceful; it is also a synonym.
Example: The team made a vigorous effort in the second half.
| Synonyms (Vehement) | Antonyms (Vehement) |
|---|---|
| fervent | apathetic |
| vigorous | indifferent |
| passionate | mild |
| forceful | half-hearted |
The following words have also been asked in other CUET (UG) English papers:
| Word | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| vehement | 31-05 S1 | – | 29-05 S1 | – | 16-09 S1 |
| apathetic | 18-05 S1 | – | – | – | – |
| fervent | 12-05 S2 | 28-05 S1 | – | – | – |