Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the underlined word.
The doctor reassured Raman that the lump was benign, which brought immense relief to both him and his family.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
The correct answer is option 3 i.e. Malignant.
Given word: Benign
Meaning: Gentle, kind, or in medical terms — not harmful or non-cancerous.
Example: The tumour turned out to be benign, so no surgery was required.
Antonym: Malignant
Meaning: Harmful, dangerous, or cancerous — especially used for medical conditions like malignant tumors, which are life-threatening.
Example: A malignant tumour requires immediate treatment to prevent it from spreading.
Meaning of the other options:
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Harsh: Rough or severe; not opposite of benign in medical context.
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Rugged: Rough or uneven surface; unrelated to the context.
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Healthy: While somewhat related, it is not the direct opposite of "benign". Even a benign tumour can be present in someone who isn’t entirely healthy.
Hence, the chosen option will be correct.