In this English vocabulary question, select the antonym (word with the opposite meaning) of the adjective "abominable", which is used to describe something very bad, hateful, or disgusting.

Introduction / Context:

This question checks your understanding of antonyms in English vocabulary. The given word "abominable" is a strong negative adjective used to describe something extremely bad, hateful, or disgusting, such as "abominable behaviour" or "abominable conditions". Your task is to choose the option that expresses the opposite meaning, not just another negative meaning. Distinguishing between similar negative words and a genuine opposite is a key skill in verbal ability sections of competitive examinations.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The target word is "abominable".
• The options are attractive, gross, grim, and lousy.
• Only one option should convey a positive or pleasing quality that clearly contrasts with the sense of something hateful or disgusting.
• The context is general descriptive language, not a specialised technical field.

Concept / Approach:

"Abominable" is strongly negative. It can refer to behaviour, acts, or conditions that are morally or emotionally offensive. Typical synonyms include "detestable", "horrible", and "loathsome". For an antonym, you must look for a word that describes something pleasant, appealing, or good. "Attractive" is positive and denotes something pleasing to look at or appealing in some way. The other three options, "gross", "grim", and "lousy", all carry negative meanings and are therefore more like synonyms or near synonyms rather than opposites. The strategy is to separate negative and positive options first, then choose the one that best opposes the sense of the stem word.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Test each option in a sample sentence. If you say "an abominable sight", you mean something extremely bad or disgusting. The opposite would be "an attractive sight", something pleasing or beautiful. "A gross sight" would still be disgusting, "a grim sight" remains bleak, and "a lousy sight" is simply very poor. None of those represent a true opposite in emotional reaction. This simple sentence substitution confirms that "attractive" is the correct antonym.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

"Gross" frequently means disgusting, vulgar, or extremely objectionable in casual and formal English, so it is close in meaning to "abominable". "Grim" means gloomy, harsh, or severe, again a negative quality. "Lousy" is informal slang meaning very bad, poor, or unpleasant. All three share a negative character and cannot serve as antonyms for another negative word.

Common Pitfalls:

Students sometimes focus on intensity rather than polarity. Because "gross" is also very strong, they may pick it due to its emotional impact, forgetting that both "abominable" and "gross" are negative. Another error is to think that any unfamiliar word must be the correct option. Instead, use clear reasoning about positive versus negative meaning. When a question asks for an antonym, the correct answer should reverse the emotional or evaluative direction of the original word.

Final Answer:

The antonym of "abominable" from the given options is attractive.