In the following question on antonyms, select the option that is opposite in meaning to the word Elated.

Introduction / Context:
This antonym question tests your ability to identify a word that expresses the opposite emotion of "elated". Emotional vocabulary is frequently used in reading comprehension and verbal ability sections, so recognising pairs of near opposites is very helpful. You need to choose the option that best captures a feeling contrary to the joy and excitement suggested by "elated".

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Target word: Elated.
• Option A: Inspired.
• Option B: Cheered.
• Option C: Disheartened.
• Option D: Encouraged.
• Option E: Animated.
• We assume standard dictionary meanings for all choices.

Concept / Approach:
"Elated" means extremely happy, thrilled, or very excited and proud. The opposite of such a high positive state is a low, discouraged, or sad state. "Disheartened" means discouraged and lacking hope or enthusiasm, which is almost the direct emotional opposite of "elated". The other options are all positive words related to enthusiasm or motivation and therefore cannot serve as antonyms. The task is thus to match the emotional direction of each word and pick the one that reverses the meaning of the target word.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that "elated" describes someone who is extremely happy or overjoyed. Step 2: Consider option C, "Disheartened". This word describes a person who has lost hope, confidence, or enthusiasm, which is the opposite emotional state. Step 3: Examine option A, "Inspired". This suggests feeling motivated and uplifted, a positive state closely related to being elated, not opposite. Step 4: Examine option B, "Cheered". This means made happier or more hopeful, again a positive mood. Step 5: Examine option D, "Encouraged". This also implies increased confidence and positivity. Step 6: Examine option E, "Animated". This indicates being full of life and energy, another positive, lively state. Step 7: Conclude that "Disheartened" is the only word that expresses a negative state in contrast to "elated".

Verification / Alternative check:
Imagine two sentences: "She was elated by the news" and "She was disheartened by the news". The first suggests intense joy, the second suggests deep disappointment or discouragement. These states lie at opposite ends of the emotional spectrum. If we tried "She was elated by the news" versus "She was inspired by the news", both sentences show positive outcomes and cannot be opposites. This check reinforces that "Disheartened" is the correct antonym in this set.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
"Inspired", "Cheered", "Encouraged", and "Animated" all express various forms of positive feelings and increased energy or confidence. They may differ slightly in nuance, but none of them convey sadness or loss of spirit. Therefore, they cannot be antonyms of "elated", which is also a strongly positive word. Only "Disheartened" stands in real emotional opposition to "elated".

Common Pitfalls:
Candidates sometimes pick a word that is merely different rather than truly opposite in meaning, especially under time pressure. Another mistake is to choose a word they do not know well, hoping that unfamiliarity equals correctness. A better strategy is to mentally assign a simple meaning to the target word first, such as "very happy" for "elated", and then look for a choice that fits "very unhappy" or "discouraged". This approach quickly singles out "Disheartened" as the antonym.

Final Answer:
The word opposite in meaning to "Elated" is Disheartened.