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  1. GATE CS
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  3. General Aptitude

Choose the word from the options given below that is most nearly opposite in meaning to the given word: Polemical A. imitative B. conciliatory C. truthful D. ideological

GATE 2011 · General Aptitude · Opposite · medium

Answer: B. conciliatory

  1. Define the given word: 'Polemical' comes from the Greek 'polemos' (war/battle). It means strongly controversial, disputatious, or relating to aggressive argumentation and criticism.
  2. Eliminate weak options: 'Imitative' means copying — unrelated to the spectrum of argument or peace. 'Truthful' means honest — also unrelated to the combative dimension. 'Ideological' refers to belief systems — it can co-exist with polemical writing.
  3. Confirm the best antonym: 'Conciliatory' means intending to placate or make peace — the direct semantic opposite of the hostile, argumentative nature of 'polemical'. A polemical speech divides; a conciliatory response heals.