Select the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word: The public was sceptical about the new government policy.
- (a)hopeful
- (b)anxious
- (c)doubtful
- (d)expectant
Correct — C, doubtful. 'Sceptical' means inclined to doubt or to question whether something is true or worthwhile, so 'doubtful' is its nearest synonym. 'Hopeful' and 'expectant' express positive anticipation — the opposite attitude — and 'anxious' conveys worry or unease rather than doubt.
- (a)hopeful — Expresses optimistic expectation, the opposite of doubting a policy.
- (b)anxious — Means worried or uneasy; it shares a wary tone but means fearful, not doubtful.
- (d)expectant — Means eagerly awaiting something, the reverse of being sceptical about it.
A synonym item — 'sceptical' means inclined to doubt, so its nearest match is 'doubtful'.
No directly related past PYQ was found.
- practice — not a real PYQ
Select the word nearest in meaning to 'sceptical'.
- (a)convinced
- (b)dubious
- (c)certain
- (d)eager
Answer(b) dubious — 'dubious' means doubtful or uncertain, a synonym of sceptical.
- practice — not a real PYQ
Choose the antonym of 'sceptical'.
- (a)doubtful
- (b)unconvinced
- (c)trusting
- (d)wary
Answer(c) trusting — to trust readily is the opposite of being sceptical; the others express doubt.