In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the word which is most opposite in meaning to the given word: Adamant.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Flexible

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This antonym question tests your understanding of the word adamant, which is often used in discussions about decisions, opinions and attitudes. Recognising its opposite helps you interpret statements about how willing or unwilling someone is to change their mind or position.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Target word: Adamant.
  • Options: Rigid, Flexible, Fixed, Unshakable.
  • We must select the option whose meaning is opposite.
  • Adamant describes someone who is firmly determined and refuses to change an opinion or decision.


Concept / Approach:
Adamant means unyielding, firmly decided, or impossible to persuade. For example, “She was adamant that the project must be completed on time.” The opposite would be a word describing someone who is willing to bend, adjust or change, which is flexible. The other three options actually share similar meaning to adamant: rigid, fixed and unshakable all suggest firmness or lack of movement, not the opposite quality.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Recall: if a person is adamant, they do not easily change their mind.Option Rigid: means stiff or inflexible, matching the idea of being firm or unyielding.Option Fixed: suggests something that does not move or change, similar to adamant.Option Unshakable: directly conveys the idea of not being moved or influenced, again close to adamant.Option Flexible: describes someone or something that can bend or change easily in response to different situations, which is the opposite of being adamant.


Verification / Alternative check:
Consider a sentence: “At first he was adamant, but later he became flexible.” This contrast makes sense and is often how people describe negotiation or compromise. If you tried to contrast adamant with rigid or fixed, the sentence would not show a meaningful change because those words are too similar in meaning to adamant.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Rigid suggests lack of flexibility in behaviour or thinking, matching rather than opposing the sense of adamant. Fixed indicates something set and unchangeable. Unshakable also implies firm and unmovable belief. Since the question asks for the opposite meaning, all three of these must be rejected in favour of a word that expresses willingness to change or adapt.


Common Pitfalls:
Some students mistakenly look for the strongest sounding word and ignore the direction (synonym vs antonym). In antonym questions, it is crucial to focus on whether the word reverses the original meaning. When you remember that adamant is associated with rigidity, the natural opposite becomes flexibility. Therefore, flexible is the correct choice.


Final Answer:
The antonym of “Adamant” is Flexible.

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