In the following question, select the English word that is opposite in meaning to the given word: Cavalier.

Introduction / Context:
This question tests your ability to select an antonym, that is, a word opposite in meaning to the given word. The adjective cavalier describes a particular careless or dismissive attitude, often linked with a sense of superiority. Understanding such personality describing adjectives is important for reading character sketches and opinion pieces in English.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Target word: Cavalier.• Options: Condescending, Curt, Humble, Haughty.• We assume the common modern meaning of cavalier as showing a lack of proper concern and an air of superiority.• We must pick the option whose meaning is opposite to this attitude.

Concept / Approach:
Cavalier in this context describes someone who is dismissive, casually unconcerned, or arrogant about important matters. The person behaves as if they are above rules or responsibilities. An antonym must show the reverse attitude. Humble means having or showing a modest or low view of one's own importance, and such a person is usually careful, respectful, and not dismissive. Therefore, humble stands opposite to cavalier. Condescending and haughty both express superiority, like cavalier, while curt refers to brief and possibly rude speech, not necessarily the opposite attitude.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that cavalier means showing a dismissive or careless attitude, often due to a sense of superiority.Step 2: Examine humble, which describes someone modest, respectful, and not full of self importance.Step 3: Recognise that a humble person takes duties and others feelings seriously, which is the opposite of a cavalier attitude.Step 4: Check condescending. This means showing that you consider yourself superior, often by talking down to others, which is similar in tone to cavalier, not opposite.Step 5: Consider curt. It means brief and possibly rude in speech but does not directly signal the opposite of a cavalier attitude.Step 6: Look at haughty, which again describes proud and superior behaviour, close in meaning to cavalier rather than opposite.

Verification / Alternative check:
Imagine two managers. One has a cavalier attitude toward safety rules, meaning he ignores them carelessly. Another is a humble manager who listens carefully and follows rules sincerely. These two behaviours clearly contrast. If we describe someone as condescending or haughty, we still suggest superiority and lack of respect, much like cavalier. Curt only comments on short speech, not on concern for responsibilities. Hence, humble functions as the best antonym.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Condescending implies an attitude of patronising superiority, which is close to cavalier in looking down on others. Curt indicates abrupt and possibly rude speech but does not guarantee concern or seriousness, so it is not a direct opposite. Haughty means arrogantly superior and disdainful, again sharing the same proud and dismissive tone as cavalier. Therefore, these words cannot be chosen as antonyms.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse synonym and antonym questions when all the options are somewhat negative. It is important to focus on the exact instruction opposite in meaning and not simply pick any word with a negative flavour. Clarifying the core sense of the given word cavalier and then mentally searching for its reverse attitude helps avoid such errors.

Final Answer:
The word that is opposite in meaning to Cavalier is Humble.