Question

Difficulty: EasyAntonym Context Clues

Each sentence below contains a contrast transition that sets an underlined word against an opposing clue. Match each underlined word to its correct meaning based on the antonym context clues.

  • Despite the turbulent winds outside the hangar, the air inside remained calm and steady.Violent, stormy, or disorderly
  • While the initial safety guidelines were vague, the revised checklist provided explicit instructions.Unclear, imprecise, or lacking detail
  • Although the technician was sluggish at the start of the shift, he became energetic after the morning briefing.Slow-moving, lethargic, or inactive

Answer

Match turbulent to violent, stormy, or disorderly; match vague to unclear, imprecise, or lacking detail; match sluggish to slow-moving, lethargic, or inactive.
Each pair is matched by recognizing the structural contrast marker (Despite, While, Although) and determining the opposite of the provided clue words (calm, explicit, energetic). Thus, turbulent matches 'Violent, stormy, or disorderly', vague matches 'Unclear, imprecise, or lacking detail', and sluggish matches 'Slow-moving, lethargic, or inactive'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the contrast indicator and opposing clue in the first sentence.
The word 'Despite' signals that 'turbulent' is the opposite of 'calm and steady'.
Contrast signal words alert the reader that the target word has the reverse meaning of the given descriptor.
2
Identify the contrast indicator and opposing clue in the second sentence.
The conjunction 'While' contrasts 'vague' with 'explicit' (clear and detailed).
Recognizing that 'explicit' means clear indicates that 'vague' must mean unclear or imprecise.
3
Identify the contrast indicator and opposing clue in the third sentence.
The marker 'Although' opposes 'sluggish' with 'energetic'.
Since 'energetic' means active and lively, 'sluggish' must mean slow-moving or inactive.

Key Concept

Using contrast markers (such as 'despite', 'while', and 'although') to identify opposite words that reveal the definition of unfamiliar vocabulary.
Estimated Time:45s
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