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Difficulty: Very hardAntonyms and Words Opposite in Meaning

Despite the impending deadline and the escalating gravity of the financial crisis, the managing director remained strikingly INSOUCIANT during the emergency board meeting. Which word is MOST NEARLY OPPOSITE in meaning to the capitalized word as used in the sentence?

  1. A
    nonchalant
  2. solicitousAnswer
  3. C
    insolent
  4. D
    judicious

Answer

The word most nearly opposite in meaning to 'INSOUCIANT' is 'solicitous'.
In the provided context, 'INSOUCIANT' describes a disposition of being free from worry or concern. The word 'solicitous' refers to showing intense care, attention, or anxiety for a situation, making it the exact contextual antonym.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the contextual meaning of the capitalized target word 'INSOUCIANT'.
In the sentence, 'INSOUCIANT' describes an attitude of casual unconcern, lightheartedness, or indifference amidst serious trouble.
Understanding the contrasting context of a financial crisis and an impending deadline shows that the director exhibited a lack of concern.
2
Identify the option that expresses the precise opposite meaning in this context.
The word 'solicitous' means displaying eager concern, attentiveness, or anxiety.
Active concern and attentiveness ('solicitous') directly oppose a state of unconcerned indifference ('insouciant').

Key Concept

Contextual Antonyms in Advanced English Lexis
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Topics

Antonyms and Words Opposite in Meaning

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