To determine the antonym of the word "ferocious," we need to understand its meaning. "Ferocious" is an adjective that describes something extremely fierce, violent, or intense. Therefore, the antonym would be a word that conveys the opposite meaning.
- Option 1: "dreadful"
This word means something extremely bad or unpleasant, which can also convey a feeling of fear or alarm. This is not the opposite of "ferocious," as it also has a negative and intense connotation.
- Option 2: "soft"
This word conveys gentleness, mildness, or the absence of harshness, which is indeed the opposite of "ferocious." It suggests a lack of aggressiveness or intensity.
- Option 3: "fierce"
This word is a synonym of "ferocious," meaning extremely aggressive or intense. Clearly, this is not the antonym.
- Option 4: "violent"
Similar to "ferocious," this word suggests the use of physical force or aggression. It cannot be considered an antonym.
Based on the above analysis, the word "soft" is the correct antonym for "ferocious." Hence, the correct answer is Option 2: "soft".