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Difficulty: HardAntonyms and Words Opposite in Meaning

In spite of the intricate and deceptive nature of the corporate audit, the lead investigator provided a PERSPICACIOUS report that exposed the hidden financial discrepancies. Which of the following words is most nearly OPPOSITE in meaning to the capitalized word as used in the sentence?

  1. A
    astute
  2. obtuseAnswer
  3. C
    perspicuous
  4. D
    transparent

Answer

The word most nearly opposite in meaning to 'perspicacious' is 'obtuse'.
In the sentence, 'perspicacious' describes a person displaying keen mental perception, sharpness, and discernment. The word 'obtuse' means lacking sharpness of intellect or being slow to comprehend, which serves as its precise contextual antonym.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the target word in its sentence context.
The target word 'PERSPICACIOUS' describes an investigator who successfully unravelled intricate and deceptive financial figures, indicating high discernment and mental sharpness.
Contextual clues like 'intricate', 'deceptive', and 'exposed hidden discrepancies' demonstrate keen analytical acumen.
2
Determine the precise opposite meaning required.
The antonym must convey a lack of mental discernment, dullness, or slowness in understanding complex details.
An opposite of sharp intellectual perception is dullness or imperceptiveness.
3
Evaluate the options against the required antonym meaning.
'Obtuse' directly denotes being slow to comprehend or lacking sharp insight, making it the exact antonym.
'Astute' is a synonym, 'perspicuous' is a paronym meaning lucid, and 'transparent' applies to visual or structural clarity rather than intellectual discernment.

Key Concept

Contextual Antonyms in Advanced Lexis
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Topics

Antonyms and Words Opposite in Meaning

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