Choose the appropriate word which is opposite in meaning to the underlined word.
The benevolent king showed clemency to the defeated soldier.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → virulence
Clemency means mercy, a gentle and forgiving attitude towards someone who could be punished. The benevolent king showed mercy to the defeated soldier. Its antonym is virulence.
Example: The governor showed clemency and reduced the prisoner's sentence.
| Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| (1) virulence (answer) | extreme bitterness and hostility, also the harmful strength of a disease (harsh hostility stands against gentle mercy) | The virulence of his attack on his rivals shocked everyone. |
| (2) mercy | kindness shown to someone one could punish (it is a synonym of clemency, not its opposite) | The judge showed mercy to the young offender. |
| (3) leniency | being less strict than expected in punishing someone (it is also a synonym of clemency) | The teacher's leniency surprised the late students. |
| (4) equanimity | calmness of mind, especially in a difficult situation (it is not the opposite of mercy) | She accepted the bad news with equanimity. |
| Also asked in CUET (UG): clemency – 24-05-2025 Slot 1 virulence – 08-06-2023 Slot 1 equanimity – 26-05-2025 Slot 1 |