Correct Answer:
C. Tidy
The word slovenly describes a person or their appearance as untidy and dirty, or work as careless and untidy. It implies a general lack of neatness, order, and cleanliness.
- C: Tidy is the correct antonym. 'Tidy' means arranged neatly and in order, or a person who is neat and orderly in appearance and habits. This is the direct opposite of being slovenly.
- A: Messy means untidy or dirty. This is a synonym or very close in meaning to 'slovenly,' not an antonym.
- B: Careless primarily means not paying enough attention or thought to avoid harm or error. While a slovenly person might be careless, 'careless' describes an attitude or action, whereas 'slovenly' describes a state of untidiness. It's a related characteristic but not the direct antonym for untidiness.
- D: Untidy means not neat or orderly. This is a direct synonym of 'slovenly,' not an antonym.