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Question

Difficulty: MediumAntonym Context Clues

Although the older generator's power output remained completely stable under heavy loads, the experimental turbine produced highly volatile readings. As used in the sentence, what is the meaning of the underlined word volatile?

  1. A
    Consistent and steady over time
  2. Unstable and fluctuating unpredictablyAnswer
  3. C
    Audible and producing excessive noise
  4. D
    Damaged and completely nonfunctional

Answer

Unstable and fluctuating unpredictably
The sentence uses the contrast conjunction 'Although' to set up an explicit contrast between the older generator, which was 'completely stable,' and the experimental turbine, which was 'volatile.' Because 'volatile' must be the opposite of 'stable,' it means unstable and fluctuating unpredictably.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the contrast indicator and the contextual clue in the sentence.
The subordinating conjunction 'Although' signals an opposing relationship between the older generator's 'stable' output and the experimental turbine's 'volatile' readings.
Recognizing contrast signal words indicates that the target word possesses an opposite meaning to the clue provided.
2
Determine the antonym of 'stable' to deduce the meaning of 'volatile'.
The opposite of 'stable' is 'unstable' or 'subject to unpredictable change.'
Applying the antonym to technical readings reveals that 'volatile' means fluctuating erratically.

Key Concept

Using antonym context clues signaled by contrast markers to deduce word meaning
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Antonym Context Clues

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