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Difficulty: MediumAntonym Context Clues

Despite the volatile nature of the refined fuel compound under extreme pressure, the additive remained completely stable throughout the testing sequence. As used in this context, which of the following is the closest meaning of the underlined word?

  1. A
    Steady and unreactive
  2. Unstable and rapidly changingAnswer
  3. C
    Hostile and aggressive
  4. D
    Loud and outspoken

Answer

Unstable and rapidly changing
The introductory preposition 'despite' establishes an explicit contrast between the properties of the fuel compound and the additive. Since the additive is described as 'completely stable,' the target word must convey the opposite condition, meaning unstable, unpredictable, or prone to rapid chemical shifts.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the contrast signal in the sentence.
The introductory preposition 'despite' indicates an opposing relationship between the two clauses.
Contrast transition words signal that the target word possesses the opposite meaning of the descriptive clue provided in the main clause.
2
Locate the explicit antonym clue.
The additive is described as remaining completely 'stable.'
The antonym clue provides the baseline concept from which the opposite meaning must be derived.
3
Determine the opposite of the clue to define the target word.
The opposite of 'stable' is 'unstable' or 'rapidly changing.'
Applying the antonym relationship yields the contextual definition of 'volatile.'

Key Concept

Antonym Context Clues
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Antonym Context Clues

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