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 his INDOLENT brother who spent all day idling on the couch, Samuel was remarkably 【industrious】 and worked tirelessly to support his family.

Answer

industrious (or diligent / hardworking)
The target word 'INDOLENT' signifies laziness and avoidance of activity. The introductory phrase 'Unlike his...' establishes an antonymous contrast. The word 'industrious' (or 'diligent') directly opposes 'indolent' and accurately matches the clue 'worked tirelessly'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the meaning of the capitalized target word in context.
The word 'INDOLENT' means lazy, inactive, or lacking motivation to work.
The clause 'who spent all day idling on the couch' provides a clear contextual clue defining indolent behavior.
2
Identify the contrast and select an appropriate antonym.
The sentence opens with 'Unlike his...', indicating a direct contrast between the two brothers. The word needed must mean energetic, dedicated, or hardworking.
The context 'worked tirelessly to support his family' requires an adjective that is the exact antonym of lazy, such as 'industrious' or 'diligent'.

Key Concept

Identifying Contextual Antonyms
Rate this question