In the following question, out of the given four alternatives, select the one which is opposite in meaning to the given word. Obscene – choose the option that is most nearly opposite in meaning.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Decent

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Antonym questions test understanding of both the target word and its opposite concept. The word "obscene" is often used to describe language, behaviour, or images that are shocking, indecent, or morally offensive, especially in a sexual context. To answer correctly, the learner must know what type of quality "obscene" describes and then select the option that best represents the opposite moral or social value.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The given word is "Obscene".
  • Options: Indecent, Immoral, Decent, Offensive.
  • The task is to choose the antonym, not another similar negative word.
  • We assume standard dictionary meanings and typical social usage.


Concept / Approach:
"Obscene" refers to something that strongly offends accepted standards of morality or modesty. It is closely related to "indecent" and "offensive". The opposite would be a word that describes behaviour or material that fully conforms to accepted moral standards and is not offensive. Therefore, we look for a positive moral term among the options. "Decent" is the obvious candidate, as it signifies propriety, respectability, and acceptable social behaviour.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that "obscene" means extremely offensive, often in a sexual or vulgar way. Step 2: Option A, "Indecent", has a meaning almost identical to "obscene" and therefore cannot be an antonym. Step 3: Option B, "Immoral", also describes behaviour that is morally wrong, which again is close in meaning, not opposite. Step 4: Option D, "Offensive", overlaps strongly with "obscene", because both indicate that something upsets or shocks people. Step 5: Option C, "Decent", describes something respectable, proper, and not offensive. It aligns with social and moral standards. Step 6: Since the question asks for the opposite meaning, "Decent" is the correct choice.


Verification / Alternative check:
Consider the phrase "obscene language". The opposite phrase that makes sense would be "decent language", meaning polite and acceptable speech. Phrases like "indecent language", "immoral language", or "offensive language" are all similar in meaning to "obscene language", not opposite. By pairing the word with "language", "images", or "behaviour", we can test whether a given option represents a positive, socially acceptable quality or a negative, unacceptable one. This confirms that "decent" is the true antonym in the given list.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A: "Indecent" means not proper or not respectable, often in a sexual or vulgar sense, so it is almost a synonym of "obscene". Option B: "Immoral" describes behaviour that violates moral principles and is, like "obscene", negative in nature. Option D: "Offensive" is used for remarks or actions that upset or insult people and is again close in tone to "obscene".


Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake in antonym questions is to choose any word that feels negative when the question is actually asking for the opposite. Because three of the options here are negative words, students who do not read the question carefully might pick one of them based only on recognition of tone. It is crucial always to check whether the question is asking for a synonym or an antonym and then look for a word with opposite rather than similar meaning. Practising word pairs like "obscene–decent", "rude–polite", or "cruel–kind" can strengthen this skill.


Final Answer:
The word that is opposite in meaning to "Obscene" is Decent.

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