In English vocabulary, the adjective callous describes a person who is emotionally hardened and insensitive. Which of the following options expresses the opposite meaning of callous?

Introduction / Context:
This question tests understanding of antonyms in English vocabulary. The word callous is often used to describe someone who does not feel or show concern for the suffering of others. It is frequently associated with a lack of empathy or kindness. To answer the question, we must identify the option that best captures the opposite quality.

Given Data / Assumptions:
Callous means emotionally hardened, unfeeling, or indifferent to the pain of others.
Options include words that describe emotional states or attitudes toward others.
We assume the everyday meanings of emotionally hardened, insensitive, sympathetic, unkind, and cruel.
We seek the word that most clearly expresses a caring and compassionate attitude.

Concept / Approach:
An antonym should convey a direct contrast. Since callous means lacking emotional sensitivity, its opposite should involve emotional awareness and concern for others feelings. Sympathetic describes a person who understands and cares about the emotions and difficulties of others, which is directly opposed to a callous attitude.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Restate the meaning of callous as unfeeling and indifferent to the suffering of others. Step 2: Examine sympathetic. This word describes someone who feels or shows care, understanding, and compassion. Step 3: Recognise that a sympathetic person is aware of and responsive to others pain, which is the exact opposite of a callous person. Step 4: Confirm that the other options are either synonyms or near synonyms of callous, not opposites.

Verification / Alternative check:
We can check by using the words in simple sentences. A callous remark ignores someone feelings and may seem cold. A sympathetic remark offers comfort and understanding. In many dictionaries, callous is contrasted with compassionate, kind, or sympathetic. This cross check supports the choice of sympathetic as the antonym.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Emotionally hardened: This is a direct synonym of callous and therefore not an opposite.
Insensitive: This also matches the meaning of callous and indicates a lack of feeling for others.
Unkind: This describes behaviour that lacks kindness and is related to callousness rather than contradicting it.
Cruel: Cruel behaviour goes beyond callousness and actively causes pain, which is again similar in direction and not opposite.

Common Pitfalls:
Learners sometimes assume that the most intense negative word is the opposite, but in antonym questions you should seek a word that reverses the core idea rather than exaggerating it. In this case, sympathetic reverses the lack of feeling by emphasising care and concern.

Final Answer:
The opposite of callous among the given options is sympathetic.