Question

Choose the word opposite in meaning to the given word: HOSTILE

• A. Joyful
• B. Helpful
• C. Friendly
• D. Persuade

Hint:

When finding antonyms, look for the direct opposite in emotional or relational tone. "Hostile" and "Friendly" are exact opposites.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

"Hostile" means unfriendly, aggressive, or antagonistic.
The opposite is "Friendly," meaning kind, warm, or welcoming.
"Joyful" refers to happiness (not exact antonym). "Helpful" is positive but not directly opposite to "hostile." "Persuade" is an action verb, not opposite in meaning. "Violent" is actually a synonym, not an antonym. \[ \Rightarrow \boxed{\text{Friendly}} \]

Answer 2

Picture how a hostile person behaves in a room full of people: they scowl, keep their distance, and look for a fight. The antonym should describe someone who behaves in exactly the opposite way in that same room.

1. Option 1 (Joyful): A joyful person could still be hostile to others while feeling happy inside, since joy describes a mood, not how one treats other people.
2. Option 2 (Helpful): A helpful person assists others, which is positive, but someone can be helpful out of duty while still being cold or unfriendly in manner.
3. Option 3 (Friendly): A friendly person smiles, welcomes others, and avoids conflict, the exact opposite behaviour of a hostile person in that room.
4. Option 4 (Persuade): This is an action verb about convincing someone; it doesn't describe a disposition at all.

Only "friendly" directly opposes the antagonistic, unwelcoming behaviour that defines "hostile."

Hence, the correct answer is Friendly.