Directions: item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words. Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response in your Answer Sheet accordingly.

The experience of Covid Pandemic was excruciating for much of the population.

Question

Question

This question was previously asked in

UPSC NDA-II (General Ability) Official Paper-I (Held On: 03 Sept, 2023)

Answer 1

The correct answer is 'mild'.

Key Points

Excruciating refers to something or someone causing great pain or anguish, it is used to indicate something extremely distressing or difficult to bear. (अत्यंत कष्टदायक)
- Example: The hike up the mountain was excruciating to the inexperienced climbers due to its steepness and their lack of preparation.
The opposite of excruciating is something gentle, not severe or extreme, which fits the definition of the word 'mild'. (हल्का)
- Example: The medicine had only a mild effect, just enough to alleviate the pain but not enough to make it disappear completely.
Hence, the correct antonym is 'mild'.

Therefore, the correct answer is “Option 4".

Additional Information

Gnawing (चबाने): It generally refers to a continuous or troubling discomfort or worry. It is more related to 'excruciating' than being an opposite.
Gruelling (कठिन): It refers to something that is extremely tiring and demanding. It is not the opposite, but rather a synonym to 'excruciating'.
Harrowing (हताशाजनक): This word means distressing or grievous. It is synonymous with 'excruciating', not antonymous.