Choose the word, opposite in meaning to the underlined word in the given sentence:-
The benevolent king was very popular with the masses.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → ruthless
Benevolent means kind and wishing to do good to others. The king was popular because he was kind to his people. Its antonym is ruthless.
Example: The benevolent doctor treated poor patients free of charge.
| Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| (1) eccentric | strange or unusual in behaviour (it is not the opposite of kind) | The eccentric professor wore two different shoes. |
| (2) ruthless (answer) | having no pity, hard and cruel (kindness and cruelty are opposites) | The ruthless dictator crushed every protest. |
| (3) generous | willing to give freely (it is close to benevolent, not its opposite) | She made a generous donation to the school. |
| (4) helpful | ready to help (it too has a positive, kind sense) | The shopkeeper was very helpful. |
| Synonyms of benevolent: kind, generous, charitable, compassionate Antonyms of benevolent: ruthless, malevolent, cruel, unkind Also asked in CUET (UG): benevolent – 30-05-2026 Slot 1, 14-05-2026 Slot 2, 11-05-2026 Slot 1, 03-06-2025 Slot 2, 23-05-2025 Slot 2, 17-08-2022 Slot 2 eccentric – 27-05-2025 Slot 1 |