Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the given word.
Abrupt

Correct option is C

The correct option is (c).

Abrupt means sudden, unexpected, or happening without any preparation or smooth transition. It is used for actions or changes that occur quickly and sharply (Hindi meaning: अचानक / एकदम से).

Example: The meeting ended in an abrupt manner due to an urgent phone call.

The antonym should convey the opposite idea: something that happens slowly, step by step, and smoothly. Gradual means happening or changing little by little over time (Hindi meaning: धीरे-धीरे / क्रमिक).

Example: There was a gradual improvement in his health after regular exercise.

Synonyms of Abrupt: sudden, unexpected, hasty, sharp.

Antonyms of Abrupt: gradual, slow, steady, progressive.

Meanings of all the other given options:

• (A) Abysmal: Extremely bad; very poor (Hindi: बहुत ही खराब / अत्यंत दयनीय).
• (B) Stringent: Very strict; tightly controlled (Hindi: कठोर / सख्त).
• (D) Blunt: Not sharp; also, very direct in speech (Hindi: कुंद / रूखा-सीधा).