In standard English vocabulary, which of the following words is the correct antonym (opposite in meaning) of the word “DOLEFUL”, which means sad and sorrowful?

Introduction / Context:
This is a straightforward vocabulary question that tests your knowledge of antonyms. The word given is “doleful”, which appears commonly in exam level English. Knowing its meaning and emotional tone allows you to select a word with the opposite sense from the options provided. Questions on synonyms and antonyms are important because they measure the depth of a candidate vocabulary and their sensitivity to fine differences in meaning.

Given Data / Assumptions:
1) The target word is DOLEFUL.2) Options are Lamentable, Dismal, Pitiful and Glad, plus an implicit possibility that none of them is correct.3) You must select the option that is opposite in meaning, not just unrelated or vaguely similar.4) Assume standard, widely accepted dictionary meanings of all words.

Concept / Approach:
First, be clear about the meaning of DOLEFUL. It refers to a state of sadness, sorrow or melancholy, often with a mournful tone. An antonym must therefore express a positive, cheerful or happy mood. After confirming that understanding, quickly scan the options and eliminate those that obviously share the same sad meaning as DOLEFUL. The remaining word, if any, that clearly expresses a happy or bright emotional state will be the correct antonym.

Step-by-Step Solution:
1) Define DOLEFUL: it means full of grief or sorrow, sad, mournful or causing sadness.2) Look at option Lamentable. Lamentable describes something that is to be lamented, regrettable or very bad, which carries a negative and sad meaning.3) Examine Dismal. Dismal means gloomy, depressing or dreary, again strongly associated with sadness and hopelessness.4) Consider Pitiful. Pitiful describes something that arouses pity or compassion, often implying a sorry or miserable condition, which is still negative and close in tone to doleful.5) Now check Glad. Glad means happy, pleased, cheerful or delighted, which is clearly the emotional opposite of sad and doleful.6) Since we are looking for an antonym, Glad matches the requirement perfectly while the other options are near synonyms.

Verification / Alternative check:
A quick sanity check is to place DOLEFUL and each option into a simple sentence. For example, “She wore a doleful expression at the funeral” can be naturally contrasted with “She wore a glad expression at the celebration.” This contrast makes sense. On the other hand, replacing DOLEFUL with Lamentable, Dismal or Pitiful in contexts of sadness keeps the emotional tone similar rather than reversing it. Therefore, Glad is the only option that truly flips the sentiment from negative sadness to positive happiness, confirming it as the correct antonym.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Lamentable is similar to doleful in that both are used in sad or unfortunate situations.Dismal again conveys sadness, gloom and negativity, not the opposite feeling.Pitiful suggests something deserving pity, which aligns with sadness rather than happiness.None of these is incorrect because Glad already provides the exact opposite sense needed.

Common Pitfalls:
Many candidates confuse synonym and antonym questions when they read too fast or notice only that most options “feel” negative. They may wrongly assume a negative word must be the answer because the question sounds like a test of difficult meanings. Always re read whether the question asks for the same meaning or the opposite meaning. For antonyms, deliberately search for a word that flips the emotional or logical direction of the original. Building a habit of mentally pairing common words with their opposites, like happy sad, generous stingy or doleful glad, is very helpful.

Final Answer:
The correct antonym of DOLEFUL among the given options is Glad.