Select the antonym (word opposite in meaning) of the word “deliberate” as used in the sense of something done carefully and after thought.

Introduction / Context:
This vocabulary question focuses on the word “deliberate”. The word can function as both a verb and an adjective. In the context of antonyms, exams often use the adjective sense, meaning “done consciously, carefully, and with full consideration”. You must choose the word that is most opposite in meaning to this careful and thoughtful attitude.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The key word is “deliberate”.
• Options are “judge”, “imprudent”, “cogitate”, and “argue”.
• The sense being tested is the adjective meaning “careful and intentional”.

Concept / Approach:
“Deliberate” in the adjective form means slow, careful, and done after thinking about all the facts. The antonym must therefore suggest a lack of careful thought or concern. “Imprudent” means failing to show care for the consequences of an action, that is, not wise or not cautious. The other options either relate to thinking and judging (which are closer in meaning to “deliberate”) or to verbal disagreement, rather than giving an opposite sense.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Fix the working meaning: “deliberate” (adjective) = carefully considered, intentional, and thoughtful. Step 2: Consider “imprudent”. This word means not showing care for the consequences of an action; unwise or careless, which directly opposes the idea of thoughtful and cautious behaviour. Step 3: Look at “judge”. To judge is to form an opinion or decide after consideration. It is related to thinking and is not opposite to “deliberate”. Step 4: Examine “cogitate”. This means to think deeply and carefully, which is actually similar in spirit to “deliberate” and might be considered a synonym rather than an antonym. Step 5: Check “argue”. This refers to presenting reasons for or against something, often in discussion. It does not clearly express the opposite of careful consideration. Step 6: Therefore, “imprudent” is the best antonym, as it directly signals a lack of careful thought and wise deliberation.

Verification / Alternative check:
Consider two example sentences: “He took a deliberate decision after weighing all the pros and cons” and “She made an imprudent decision without thinking about the risks.” The second sentence clearly describes behaviour opposite to the first. The words “judge” or “cogitate” would both indicate processes involving thinking, not the absence of it, confirming that they are not antonyms here.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• judge: Implies forming an opinion, often after consideration, and therefore does not oppose deliberation.
• cogitate: Means to think carefully or deeply, which is conceptually closer to “deliberate” rather than being its opposite.
• argue: Refers to debating or discussing, especially by giving reasons. It does not relate directly to the level of thoughtfulness behind an action.

Common Pitfalls:
Students often confuse the verb “to deliberate” (to think carefully) with other thinking verbs and assume the question is asking for a synonym. Always read the instructions carefully, and when the question asks for an antonym, deliberately search for a word that goes in the opposite semantic direction, as “imprudent” does here.

Final Answer:
The correct antonym of “deliberate” in the sense of careful and thoughtful is imprudent.