Question

Find out a word which is nearest to the opposite in meaning to the word given in capitals.
REPULSIVE

• A. counter
• B. attractive
• C. friendly
• D. hard

Hint:

Think of magnetic poles: opposite poles attract while similar poles repel. This physical relationship guarantees that 'attractive' is the exact conceptual opposite of 'repulsive'.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: The concept of repulsion and attraction originates from physical and metaphorical forces. An antonym must reflect a reverse trajectory of desire or movement.

Step 1: Identifying the core meaning.
The term

REPULSIVE means arousing intense distaste, disgust, or driving something away through an unpleasant nature (e.g., "a repulsive odor" or "repulsive behavior").

Step 2: Screening individual options.
Let us break down each option:

• Option (A) counter: This means to speak or act in opposition to something. It does not relate to beauty or emotional draw.

• Option (B) attractive: This means providing pleasure or delight, or pulling something closer through appealing qualities. This is the direct physical and psychological opposite of repulsive.

• Option (C) friendly: This means kind and pleasant. While pleasant, its direct antonym is hostile or unfriendly, rather than repulsive.

• Option (D) hard: This means solid, firm, or difficult. Its antonym is soft or easy.

Step 3: Concluding the selection.
Since repulsive forces drive elements apart, attractive forces pull them together. Similarly, something repulsive disgusts, while something attractive delights. Thus, Option (B) is the correct answer.