In the following question, out of the given four alternatives, select the one which is opposite in meaning (antonym) to the given word: "Acerbic".

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Bland

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This vocabulary question asks for the antonym (opposite meaning) of the word "Acerbic." In English, "acerbic" is mostly used to describe a tone, remark, comment, or style that is sharp, bitter, or harsh. To answer correctly, you must know not only the meaning of "acerbic" but also identify a word that expresses a contrasting, mild quality.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Target word: "Acerbic."
  • Options: Foretell, Amazed, Harsh, Bland.
  • The question explicitly demands an opposite meaning, not a synonym.
  • We focus on the most common usage: acerbic remarks or acerbic wit.



Concept / Approach:
"Acerbic" describes speech or writing that is sharply critical, biting, or sour in tone. The opposite would be something mild, gentle, or not sharp in flavour or tone. "Bland" is a word that refers to something lacking strong features, taste, or character; in the context of remarks, it suggests mild and inoffensive speech. Therefore, "bland" is the correct antonym among the given options.



Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the meaning of "acerbic": sharp, biting, or harsh in tone; sometimes literally sour in taste. Step 2: Consider "Harsh": it has almost the same meaning as "acerbic," so it is a synonym, not an antonym. Step 3: Check "Bland": it means mild, gentle, or lacking strong flavour or sharpness, whether in food or in speech. Step 4: Recognise that mild and gentle speech is the opposite of sharp and biting speech. Step 5: Confirm "Bland" as the opposite of "acerbic."



Verification / Alternative check:
Suppose we say: "The critic's review was acerbic," meaning it was very sharp and biting. The opposite sentence would be: "The critic's review was bland," meaning it was mild, neutral, or lacking sharp criticism. This pair illustrates the contrast clearly. Similarly, "acerbic comments" versus "bland comments" conveys the difference between cutting criticism and soft, harmless remarks.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A: "Foretell" means to predict the future; it has nothing to do with tone or harshness. Option B: "Amazed" describes a state of great surprise or wonder, which is unrelated to the flavour or sharpness of language. Option C: "Harsh" actually supports or repeats the meaning of "acerbic" instead of opposing it, so it is a near synonym, not an antonym.



Common Pitfalls:
A frequent error in antonym questions is to choose a word that is somehow related in context but not truly opposite. For instance, "harsh" might feel connected to "acerbic" since both can describe criticism, but they point in the same direction. Always ask yourself: "Does this word directly reverse the meaning?" For "acerbic," which is sharp and biting, the opposite must be mild and gentle, which is best captured by "bland."



Final Answer:
The word opposite in meaning to "Acerbic" is: Bland.


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