Each context sentence below features an underlined target word paired with an explicit antonym clue. Match each underlined term to its precise contextual definition.
- ephemeral — 'While some alpine flora are ephemeral, withering in a single afternoon, the neighboring bristlecone pines exhibit perennial endurance.'Lasting for only a very brief duration; fleeting and transient
- taciturn — 'Unlike his garrulous predecessor who flooded daily briefings with incessant chatter, the new division chief proved remarkably taciturn.'Habitually reserved, quiet, and disinclined to talk
- prodigal — 'Rather than maintaining a prudent stockpile of replacement parts, the expedition team faced scrutiny for its prodigal expenditure of hardware.'Recklessly wasteful, extravagant, and squandering valuable resources
- recalcitrant — 'Whereas the majority of recruits remained tractable and strictly observed protocol, two recalcitrant candidates openly defied drill standards.'Obstinately uncooperative and actively resisting authority or established discipline
Answer
ephemeral matches 'Lasting for only a very brief duration; fleeting and transient'; taciturn matches 'Habitually reserved, quiet, and disinclined to talk'; prodigal matches 'Recklessly wasteful, extravagant, and squandering valuable resources'; recalcitrant matches 'Obstinately uncooperative and actively resisting authority or established discipline'.
Each match correctly inverts the explicit antonym clue provided in the sentence frame: 'ephemeral' opposes 'perennial endurance' (short-lived vs. enduring), 'taciturn' opposes 'garrulous' (reserved vs. talkative), 'prodigal' opposes 'prudent' (wasteful vs. thrifty), and 'recalcitrant' opposes 'tractable' (defiant vs. compliant).
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Determining word meanings by identifying contrast transition markers and analyzing explicit antonym clues in context.
Estimated Time:1m 30s