Question 3

WISE is the opposite of WITLESS.

A wise individual demonstrates sound judgment and intelligence, while witless describes someone lacking in sense or perception, making it the correct antonym.

A) keen

Keen refers to having a sharp intellect or perceptive insight, which is closely aligned with being wise. Therefore, it cannot be considered an opposite of wise.

B) smart

Smart indicates a level of intelligence or quick-wittedness, similar to being wise. This option does not present a contrasting meaning and is therefore not the opposite of wise.

C) clever

Clever implies an ability to think quickly and resourcefully, often associated with wisdom. As a result, cleverness does not oppose wisdom but rather complements it.

D) astute

Astute denotes shrewdness and the ability to accurately assess situations or people, characteristics often found in wise individuals. Hence, astute is not the opposite of wise.

E) witless

Witless clearly signifies a lack of intelligence or awareness, making it the direct opposite of wise. Those described as witless lack the insight and judgment that define wisdom.

Conclusion

Witless is definitively the opposite of wise, as it embodies the absence of intelligence and sound judgment. In contrast, all other options—keen, smart, clever, and astute—reflect forms of intelligence or perception, thereby failing to represent an opposing concept.