His antipathy affected the growth of is business?

Analyze the question: This is an opposite-meaning (antonym) question. The underlined word is antipathy, and we need the word that means the opposite.

Explain the concept: "Antipathy" comes from the Greek anti (against) and pathos (feeling). It means a strong dislike, aversion, or hostility toward someone or something. Its opposite is a feeling of liking, openness, or favour, such as sympathy, affinity, or receptiveness.

Solution, option by option:

• A. hatred is a synonym (same meaning), so it is wrong.
• B. receptiveness means willingness to accept or welcome something. This is the opposite of dislike and aversion, so it fits.
• C. loyalty means faithfulness and is not a direct opposite of antipathy. It is about commitment, not feeling.
• D. hostility is also a synonym of antipathy, so it is wrong.

Two options (A and D) mean the same as the underlined word, so they can be eliminated at once. Between B and C, receptiveness is the better antonym because it describes openness and a favourable attitude, which is the reverse of an aversion.

Answer: The correct option is B. receptiveness.

Tip: In antonym questions, first eliminate the options that are synonyms. Examiners often include them as traps. Also, remember that the prefix anti- means "against", so antipathy means a feeling "against" something, and its opposite is a feeling "for" or "open to" it.