In the following question, out of the four given alternatives, select the one which is opposite in meaning to the given word: Meek.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Assertive

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This antonym question focuses on the word meek, which is frequently used to describe a very gentle, submissive or easily controlled person. To find the correct opposite, you must look for an option that expresses almost the reverse attitude: someone who stands up for themselves confidently rather than yielding.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Target word: Meek.
  • Options: Quiet, Moderate, Assertive, Humble.
  • We are asked for the opposite in meaning.
  • Meek generally means submissive, overly gentle, or lacking in self-assertion.



Concept / Approach:
Meek people are usually described as very gentle, patient, and willing to submit rather than to fight or argue. The strongest opposite of this would be someone who is assertive: a person who confidently states their opinions and defends their rights. Quiet and humble can overlap partly with meekness but are not direct opposites. Moderate means not extreme and has no direct link to meek or its opposite. Therefore, Assertive is the best antonym in this set.



Step-by-Step Solution:
Clarify the meaning of Meek: overly gentle, easily pushed around, not inclined to protest or argue.Check Quiet: this simply means silent or not talkative; a quiet person is not necessarily meek.Check Moderate: this means reasonable, not extreme in views or behaviour; again, not a direct opposite.Check Humble: means modest, not proud; humility can sometimes accompany meekness but is not its opposite.Check Assertive: means confident, self assured, and willing to state one's needs or opinions strongly.Since Assertive describes someone who is the opposite of submissive, it is the correct antonym of Meek.



Verification / Alternative check:
Construct contrasting sentences:“He is too meek to protest when people treat him unfairly.”Opposite: “He is assertive enough to protest when people treat him unfairly.”The change from meek to assertive reverses the behaviour: from accepting unfair treatment quietly to speaking up against it. If we replace meek with quiet or humble, the opposition is not as clear, because a quiet or humble person may still occasionally stand up for themselves. Moderate has no natural contrast with meek in this context.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Quiet refers mainly to the level of noise or talking, not necessarily to the strength of personality. Many assertive people can also be quiet but firm. Moderate relates to avoiding extremes and has nothing to do with submission or dominance. Humble is about modest attitudes towards one's own importance and can co exist with strong inner strength; it is not a direct opposite of meekness. Therefore, none of these words clearly reverse the idea of submissiveness in the way Assertive does.



Common Pitfalls:
Because meek people are often seen as humble, candidates may be tempted to treat humble as a synonym, not an antonym. However, the question is asking for the opposite, so you must think of the behavioural contrast: someone who allows others to dominate them versus someone who confidently asserts their own needs and boundaries. Training yourself to pair meek with assertive as a contrasting pair will help you quickly identify the correct answer in similar exam questions.



Final Answer:
The word opposite in meaning to “Meek” is Assertive.


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