NDA (I) 2023 General Ability Test · Question 36 of 149

Correct — D, politeness. 'Audacity' is rude or reckless boldness — the nerve to do something shocking. Its opposite is 'politeness', courteous and respectful behaviour, so that is the antonym sought.

• (a)boldness — A direct synonym of 'audacity' — daring or fearlessness, not its opposite.
• (b)vigour — Physical or mental energy and force — off the daring-versus-courtesy axis, so not the antonym.
• (c)temerity — Reckless, foolhardy boldness — essentially a synonym of 'audacity', not its contrast.

An antonym item on 'audacity' (impudent boldness); the correct choice is the word conveying courteous restraint.

No directly related past PYQ was found.

• practice — not a real PYQ

  Choose the word most opposite in meaning to 'insolence'.

  • (a)rudeness
  • (b)courtesy
  • (c)cheek
  • (d)effrontery

  Answer(b) courtesy — the other three all mean disrespectful boldness.

• practice — not a real PYQ

  Choose the word most opposite in meaning to 'impudence'.

  • (a)audacity
  • (b)nerve
  • (c)deference
  • (d)gall

  Answer(c) deference — respectful submission is the opposite of impudence.