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Question

Difficulty: MediumAntonyms and Words Opposite in Meaning

Complete the sentence below by filling in the blank with a word that is MOST NEARLY OPPOSITE in meaning to the capitalized word.

Answer:Unlike her colleague who only conducted a PERFUNCTORY examination of the financial audit reports, Sandra performed a 【thorough】 investigation that uncovered every minor accounting discrepancy.

Answer

The correct response requires a word opposite in meaning to 'PERFUNCTORY', such as 'thorough', 'meticulous', 'rigorous', 'painstaking', or 'detailed'.
In the given context, 'PERFUNCTORY' signifies something done casually, routinely, or without attention to detail. The sentence structure contrasts the colleague's perfunctory approach with Sandra's effort. To complete the contrast logically, the blank must contain an antonym such as 'thorough' or 'meticulous', indicating an in-depth and careful examination.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the contextual meaning of the capitalized word 'PERFUNCTORY'.
'PERFUNCTORY' means carried out with minimal effort, care, or reflection, done merely as a routine duty or superficially.
Determining the precise contextual meaning of the target word is essential prior to finding its opposite.
2
Identify the contrastive relationship established by the sentence structure.
The phrase 'Unlike her colleague...' sets up a direct contrast between the colleague's superficial work and Sandra's deep investigation.
The sentence demands an adjective modifying 'investigation' that directly opposes a hasty, routine effort.
3
Select an appropriate contextual antonym.
Words such as 'thorough', 'meticulous', or 'rigorous' describe an investigation conducted with great care, completeness, and effort.
These terms provide the exact opposite meaning to 'perfunctory' in the context of an audit investigation.

Key Concept

Contextual Antonyms and Contrastive Vocabulary
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Antonyms and Words Opposite in Meaning

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