Choose the correct antonym of the following word:
DISDAIN
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Respect
- Disdain means the feeling that someone or something is not good enough to deserve respect; contempt. It comes through Old French from the Latin dedignari, from de- (not) + dignari (to think worthy).
Example: She looked at the cheap gift with disdain. - Respect means a feeling of admiration and high regard for someone or something. Thinking someone worthy is the opposite of thinking him unworthy, so respect is the antonym.
- Root line: disdain goes back to the Latin de- (not) + dignari (to think worthy), and respect to the Latin re- (back) + specere (to look), "to look back at, to regard"; one refuses regard, the other gives it.
Example: The students have great respect for their principal.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: Scorn — Incorrect. Scorn means strong contempt; it is a synonym of disdain, not its antonym.
Example: He spoke of the proposal with scorn.
Option 2: Allure — Incorrect. Allure means the quality of being attractive or tempting; it describes a thing, not a feeling of regard.
Example: The city has a special allure for tourists.
Option 4: Arrogance — Incorrect. Arrogance means a proud feeling that one is better than others; it goes with disdain rather than against it.
Example: His arrogance annoyed his colleagues.
| Synonyms (Disdain) | Antonyms (Disdain) |
|---|---|
| scorn | respect |
| contempt | admiration |
| derision | esteem |
| disregard | reverence |
The following words have also been asked in other CUET (UG) English papers:
| Word | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| disdain | – | 27-05 S1 | – | 11-06 S1 | – |
| scorn | 31-05 S1 | – | – | – | – |