In the following English vocabulary question, choose the word which is opposite in meaning (antonym) to the given word “CONTEMPLATIVE”.

Introduction / Context:
This question tests your understanding of antonyms, specifically for the word “contemplative”. Antonym questions require not only knowledge of the main word, but also a clear sense of each option. “Contemplative” is frequently used in reading comprehension passages and essays to describe a certain mental state, so knowing its opposite is helpful for exam success and general vocabulary building.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Given word: “CONTEMPLATIVE”.
• Options: WISTFUL, UNREFLECTIVE, NUMBED, AROUSED, DISTRACTED.
• We must identify the word that is closest to the opposite meaning of “contemplative”.
• We assume normal literary or everyday usage of these terms.

Concept / Approach:
“Contemplative” describes someone who spends a lot of time thinking deeply, reflecting, or meditating. It suggests a thoughtful, reflective state of mind. Therefore, the antonym should express a lack of reflection or absence of deep thought. The word “unreflective” literally means “not reflective” or “not inclined to think deeply or carefully”, and hence it stands in direct opposition to “contemplative”. Other options may be somewhat different in emotional tone but are not precise opposites.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Define “contemplative”: deeply thoughtful, reflective, often quiet and introspective. Step 2: Look for an option that denies or reverses this quality of reflection. Step 3: Identify “UNREFLECTIVE” as meaning lacking reflection or not thinking carefully. Step 4: Examine “WISTFUL”, which means having a feeling of vague or regretful longing, not the opposite of contemplation. Step 5: Consider “NUMBED”, which suggests a lack of feeling rather than absence of thought, and “AROUSED”, which refers to being excited or awakened, not necessarily unreflective. Step 6: Observe that “DISTRACTED” means unable to concentrate but does not directly imply lack of reflection as a character trait. Step 7: Conclude that “UNREFLECTIVE” is the most accurate antonym.

Verification / Alternative check:
Use the words in parallel sentences. “He sat in a contemplative mood, thinking over his past decisions” clearly shows deep reflection. Its opposite would be “He is usually unreflective and never thinks deeply about his actions.” This contrast makes sense. If you try “numbed” or “aroused” in place of the antonym, they change the meaning to emotional states rather than intellectual ones, so they do not mirror “contemplative” accurately.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
“WISTFUL” implies a gentle, somewhat sad longing, and can itself be quite reflective, so it is not an opposite.
“NUMBED” describes reduced physical or emotional feeling, not specifically the absence of deep thought.
“AROUSED” refers to being awakened or stimulated, which may or may not involve deep thought and is therefore not a direct antonym.
“DISTRACTED” indicates difficulty in focusing, but a contemplative person may also sometimes be distracted; it does not define a permanent opposite quality.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes choose a word simply because it feels different from the original, rather than being a true opposite. Another common mistake is to confuse emotional and intellectual states, for example, treating “sad” or “excited” as opposite to “contemplative”. Always focus on the essential meaning: “contemplative” is about reflection and deep thought, so its antonym must target the absence of reflection, which “unreflective” does perfectly.

Final Answer:
The word opposite in meaning to “contemplative” is “UNREFLECTIVE”.