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Difficulty: MediumAntonyms and Words Opposite in Meaning

Match each formal English word on the left with its strict antonym (word opposite in meaning) on the right.

  • GregariousReclusive
  • DilatoryPrompt
  • ObdurateFlexible
  • BenevolentMalevolent

Answer

'Gregarious' pairs with 'Reclusive'; 'Dilatory' pairs with 'Prompt'; 'Obdurate' pairs with 'Flexible'; 'Benevolent' pairs with 'Malevolent'.
Each left term is paired with its precise semantic opposite: 'Gregarious' (sociable) contrasts with 'Reclusive' (solitary); 'Dilatory' (tardy or delaying) contrasts with 'Prompt' (punctual or swift); 'Obdurate' (stubbornly unyielding) contrasts with 'Flexible' (yielding or adaptable); and 'Benevolent' (kind-hearted) contrasts with 'Malevolent' (malicious).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the precise dictionary definition of each word in the left column.
'Gregarious' means sociable; 'Dilatory' means tardy/delaying; 'Obdurate' means stubborn/unyielding; 'Benevolent' means charitable/kind.
A clear understanding of literal meanings is essential before evaluating antonym pairs.
2
Identify the word in the right column that expresses the exact semantic opposite of each term.
The opposite of sociable ('Gregarious') is solitary ('Reclusive'); the opposite of delaying ('Dilatory') is quick/punctual ('Prompt'); the opposite of stubborn ('Obdurate') is adaptable ('Flexible'); the opposite of kind ('Benevolent') is spiteful ('Malevolent').
Antonyms must exhibit direct contrast in meaning within identical registers of English vocabulary.

Key Concept

Identifying direct lexical antonyms and words opposite in meaning
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Antonyms and Words Opposite in Meaning

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