- Step 1: Define "benevolent": kind, generous, well-meaning.
- Step 2: Antonym means opposite: (1) Kind (similar), (2) Malevolent (hostile, evil), (3) Generous (similar), (4) Altruistic (similar).
- Step 3: Malevolent is the clear opposite of benevolent.
- Step 4: Eliminate kind, generous, altruistic as they are synonyms.
- Step 5: Confirm: Malevolent denotes harmful intent, opposite of benevolent’s goodwill.
- Step 6: Option (2) is correct.