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 (from the Latin bene, well + volens, wishing) means kind and wishing to do good to others. The king was popular because he was kind to his people.
Example: The benevolent doctor treated poor patients free of charge. - Ruthless (from the old word ruth, pity + -less) means having no pity, hard and cruel. Kindness and cruelty are opposites, so ruthless is the antonym of benevolent.
Example: The ruthless dictator crushed every protest.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: eccentric — Incorrect. Eccentric means strange or unusual in behaviour; it is not the opposite of kind.
Example: The eccentric professor wore two different shoes.
Option 3: generous — Incorrect. Generous means willing to give freely; it is close to benevolent, not its opposite.
Example: She made a generous donation to the school.
Option 4: helpful — Incorrect. Helpful means ready to help; it too has a positive, kind sense.
Example: The shopkeeper was very helpful.
| Synonyms (Benevolent) | Antonyms (Benevolent) |
|---|---|
| kind | ruthless |
| generous | malevolent |
| charitable | cruel |
| compassionate | unkind |
The following words have also been asked in other CUET (UG) English papers:
| Word | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| benevolent | 11-05 S1 14-05 S2 30-05 S1 | 23-05 S2 03-06 S2 | – | – | 17-08 S2 |
| eccentric | – | 27-05 S1 | – | – | – |