English Vocabulary — Antonym (choose the word opposite in meaning to the highlighted word). Sentence (corrected): He is the most prudent person I have ever come across.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: reckless

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
“Prudent” characterizes someone who is careful, wise, and forethoughtful, especially in risk-taking and decision-making. The antonym should therefore indicate rashness or poor judgment. Such pairs are common in ethics, investing, and leadership assessments where risk appetite and caution are contrasted.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Target adjective: prudent = careful, cautious, judicious.
  • Context: general character assessment.
  • Options: shortsighted, reckless, inconsiderate, injudicious.


Concept / Approach:
Two candidates directly oppose prudence: “reckless” (rash, heedless of risk) and “injudicious” (showing poor judgment). Of these, “reckless” is the sharper, everyday opposite of prudent in risk contexts, while “injudicious” is bookish and not always perfect antonymy in tone. Hence “reckless” best flips prudence in common usage.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Anchor meaning: prudent ↔ cautious/wise.Pick opposite emphasizing rashness: reckless.Rule out side-tracks: “shortsighted” targets limited foresight (not necessarily rash), “inconsiderate” targets lack of regard for others, not risk judgment.Answer with “reckless.”


Verification / Alternative check:
Substitute: “He is the most reckless person …” This neatly inverts the trait being praised. While “injudicious” also opposes “judicious,” it is less idiomatic as the primary antonym to “prudent.”


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • shortsighted: Limited long-term view, but someone can be prudent yet shortsighted in scope.
  • inconsiderate: Social insensitivity, different axis.
  • injudicious: Bookish opposite of judicious; “reckless” is the clearer counter to “prudent.”


Common Pitfalls:
Equating prudence only with long-term planning and picking “shortsighted.” Prudence is primarily about careful judgment and avoidance of undue risk, best opposed by “reckless.”


Final Answer:
reckless

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