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Question

Difficulty: MediumAntonym Context Clues

Unlike the previous technician whose sloppy assembly caused frequent hydraulic leaks, Specialist Barnes was remarkably meticulous during maintenance inspections. Which of the following is the closest in meaning to the underlined word meticulous as used in this context?

  1. A
    Sloppy and neglectful
  2. Extremely careful and preciseAnswer
  3. C
    Harsh and demanding
  4. D
    Hesitant and timid

Answer

Extremely careful and precise
The contrast preposition 'unlike' directly contrasts the previous technician's 'sloppy' assembly with Specialist Barnes's 'meticulous' inspections. Therefore, the target word means the opposite of sloppy, which is extremely careful and precise.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the contrast transition word and the contrasting clue word.
The preposition 'unlike' establishes an opposing relationship between the previous technician's 'sloppy assembly' and Specialist Barnes being 'meticulous.'
Contrast signal words establish an antonymous relationship between two descriptions.
2
Deduce the meaning of the target word by finding the antonym of the clue word.
The direct opposite of 'sloppy' is thorough, precise, and careful.
Because Specialist Barnes is unlike the sloppy technician, the target word must describe careful and accurate work.
3
Match the deduced meaning to the correct option.
'Extremely careful and precise' accurately defines the contextual meaning of the target word.
It directly reflects the diligence and precision required in maintenance inspections.

Key Concept

Using antonym context clues signaled by contrast words (such as 'unlike') to deduce the meaning of an unfamiliar vocabulary word.
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Antonym Context Clues

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