Out of the four options given, select the word that is opposite in meaning (antonym) to the word “Lugubrious”.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Optimistic

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This vocabulary question asks you to find the antonym of the word “Lugubrious”. Words like this often appear in literary descriptions of people, moods or atmospheres. Understanding its opposite helps in interpreting emotional tone in passages and in improving your descriptive vocabulary for essays and reports.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The target word is “Lugubrious”.
  • Options are: Clumsy, Lucid, Optimistic, Sinister.
  • You must select the word that is opposite in meaning.
  • Standard exam-level meaning is assumed.


Concept / Approach:
“Lugubrious” means very sad, gloomy or mournful, often in an exaggerated way. It describes a deeply depressed or sorrowful mood. An antonym must therefore express cheerfulness, hopefulness or positivity. Among the options, “Optimistic” means hopeful and positive about the future, which directly contrasts with a gloomy, sorrowful outlook.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Recall the meaning of “lugubrious”: extremely sad, gloomy, mournful.Check “Clumsy”: means awkward in movement or handling; not related to mood.Check “Lucid”: means clear or easy to understand; it describes clarity, not emotion.Check “Optimistic”: means hopeful, expecting good things to happen; the opposite emotional tone of gloomy.Check “Sinister”: means giving the impression that something harmful or evil is happening; this is dark, but not the opposite of gloomy.Therefore, “Optimistic” is the best antonym of “lugubrious”.


Verification / Alternative check:
Imagine two descriptions of a person: “He looked lugubrious as he walked down the street” versus “He looked optimistic as he walked down the street.” The first clearly suggests sadness, the second suggests hope and positivity. These two emotional states are in strong contrast, confirming that “optimistic” is a suitable opposite.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
“Clumsy” refers to physical awkwardness, not emotional state. “Lucid” is about clarity of thought or expression. “Sinister” suggests something evil or threatening, which can still be gloomy, not the opposite of it. None of these words provide the bright, hopeful contrast that “optimistic” offers to “lugubrious”.


Common Pitfalls:
Exam takers may be drawn to “sinister” because both “lugubrious” and “sinister” have negative tones, but antonyms must be opposite, not just different negative words. Always focus on the core idea: lugubrious equals gloomy; therefore, its antonym must equal cheerful or hopeful, which is “optimistic”.


Final Answer:
The antonym of “Lugubrious” is Optimistic.

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