To find the antonym of the word "sullen", we need to understand its meaning and then select the word with the opposite meaning from the given options.
Definition of "sullen": Sullen refers to someone who is gloomy, morose, or showing a silent resentment; often in a bad mood.
Analyzing the options:
The correct antonym of "sullen" is genial as it embodies a friendly and cheerful disposition, directly contrasting with a gloomy and resentful attitude.
"Genial" is the opposite of "sullen," which means gloomy or unsociable.
Explanation:
The word "genial" refers to a warm, friendly, and cheerful disposition, while "sullen" describes a person who is gloomy, sulky, or unsociable. These two words are opposites in terms of personality traits and emotional expression.
Example: A "genial" person is someone who is approachable and cheerful, while a "sullen" person might be withdrawn, moody, or visibly unhappy.
Thus, "genial" indicates a positive and sociable temperament, whereas "sullen" refers to a negative and withdrawn attitude.