In the context of English vocabulary, which of the following words is the opposite in meaning (antonym) of "Guile" (deceit or cunning intelligence)?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Honesty

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This question asks for the antonym of guile. Guile is a common English noun used especially in literature and exam passages to indicate deceitful cleverness or cunning. To answer correctly, you must know what guile means and then pick the word that is opposite in meaning, not just different.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Guile means deceitful cleverness, crafty behaviour, or cunning used to trick others.
  • Option A: Cleverness.
  • Option B: Suspicious.
  • Option C: Dishonesty.
  • Option D: Honesty.


Concept / Approach:
Since guile is about trickery and dishonest cunning, its opposite must be truthfulness, openness, and straightforwardness. Honesty directly expresses these qualities. Cleverness is neutral and can be used in honest or dishonest ways. Dishonesty is actually very close in meaning to guile and cannot be its antonym. Suspicious describes a state of mind (being doubtful of others), not a moral quality opposite to guile.



Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Fix the meaning of guile as deceptive or tricky cleverness used to mislead others.Step 2: Ask what traits are opposite to such deceit. The answer is truthfulness and straightforward dealing.Step 3: Notice that honesty perfectly captures the idea of being truthful, fair, and free from deceit.Step 4: Evaluate cleverness; it can belong to both honest and dishonest people, so it is not the opposite of guile.Step 5: Evaluate suspicious and dishonesty; suspicious is an attitude of distrust, and dishonesty actually shares the element of deceit with guile. Therefore, honesty is the only true antonym here.


Verification / Alternative check:
Consider example sentences. A man full of guile will lie and cheat to get his way describes someone who is not honest. In contrast, a man of complete honesty will never use guile to gain advantage. You can see that these two descriptions oppose each other. If we replaced guile with dishonesty, the sentence would still make sense as a near synonym. But if we replaced it with honesty, the meaning would reverse, which is what we expect from an antonym.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Cleverness refers to mental sharpness and quick thinking; someone can be clever and also honest or dishonest, so it is not opposite to guile. Suspicious refers to being wary or distrustful of others and is not the opposite of deceit; in fact, suspicious people are often cautious about guile. Dishonesty overlaps strongly with guile in its sense of lack of truthfulness and cannot be its antonym.


Common Pitfalls:
Some exam takers confuse the task of finding a synonym with that of finding an antonym and may pick dishonesty because it seems close to guile. Always read the question carefully: if it says opposite in meaning, you must look for a word that reverses the meaning, not one that reinforces it. Keeping that distinction clear is critical in vocabulary sections.


Final Answer:
The antonym of Guile is Honesty, so option D is correct.

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