Select the most appropriate antonym of the given word. Puissant

Question

Select the most appropriate antonym of the given word. Puissant

1. A. Feeble (Correct answer)
2. B. Robust
3. C. Powerful
4. D. Strong

Correct Answer

Option A — Feeble

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is Feeble.

Key Points

• Puissant is a literary adjective meaning powerful, mighty or having great influence.
• Its antonym must therefore express weakness, and Feeble — lacking strength or force — is the only option that does.
• Robust, Powerful and Strong are all synonyms of puissant, not antonyms, so they can be eliminated together.

Additional Information

• The word entered English from Old French *puissant* ('powerful'), derived from Latin *posse*, 'to be able' — the same root behind *potent*, *possible* and *power*.
• It survives mainly in formal and archaic registers, notably in Shakespeare and in older diplomatic titles such as *high and puissant prince*.
• When three of four options mean roughly the same thing, the odd one out is almost always the answer — a reliable elimination tactic in antonym items.