VOCABULARY — Choose the antonym (opposite in meaning) of the highlighted word. Sentence: “He spoke against corruption with ZEAL.”

Introduction / Context:“Zeal” denotes intense enthusiasm or ardor directed toward a cause. The antonym should signal a lack of interest or energy toward that cause.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Positive intensity word: zeal = eager enthusiasm.
• We want a semantic opposite along the involvement axis.
• Answer set mixes attitude and emotion terms.

Concept / Approach:The most direct opposite of zeal is “indifference,” meaning apathy or lack of concern. Alternatives like “calmness” do not negate commitment; calm people can be zealous. “Despair” is hopelessness, not the opposite of enthusiasm per se.

Step-by-Step Solution:1) Identify the core dimension: commitment/enthusiasm vs apathy.2) Map to the antonym: “indifference”.3) Dismiss near-misses: “passiveness” suggests inactivity but not necessarily absence of feeling.

Verification / Alternative check:Substitute: “He spoke … with indifference” reverses the sentiment appropriately and clashes with “against corruption,” highlighting opposition of meanings.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:B) “calmness” — temperament, not commitment level.C) “despair” — emotional negativity, not antonymic to zeal’s energy.D) “passiveness” — behavioral inertia; could coexist with strong feelings.E) Not needed because a precise antonym exists.

Common Pitfalls:Confusing emotional valence (positive/negative) with intensity or engagement. Zeal's opposite is low engagement, i.e., indifference.

Final Answer:indifference