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Question

Difficulty: MediumAntonyms and Words Opposite in Meaning

The new recruits responded to the manager's complex proposal with remarkable ALACRITY, surprising their supervisors who had expected significant hesitation. Which of the following words is MOST NEARLY OPPOSITE in meaning to the capitalized word as used in the sentence?

  1. A
    enthusiasm
  2. reluctanceAnswer
  3. C
    swiftness
  4. D
    agility

Answer

The word most nearly opposite in meaning to ALACRITY is reluctance.
In the context of the sentence, 'alacrity' denotes cheerful readiness and eager willingness to undertake a task. The word 'reluctance' refers to a state of being unwilling or hesitant, making it the exact antonym required.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the target word in the sentence
The target word ALACRITY describes positive, eager, and quick acceptance, contrasted with the expected 'hesitation'.
Contextual clues in the stem provide the precise sense in which the word is used.
2
Define the target word
ALACRITY means brisk and cheerful readiness, eagerness, or promptness to act.
Establishing the core meaning allows identification of its true opposite.
3
Evaluate the option choices to find the opposite meaning
Reluctance means disinclination, hesitation, or unwillingness, which directly opposes cheerful readiness.
Matching the definition against option choices ensures accurate antonym selection.

Key Concept

Contextual Antonyms in Tertiary-Level English Lexis
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Antonyms and Words Opposite in Meaning

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