Question

Difficulty: MediumAntonyms and Words Opposite in Meaning

The chairman delivered a PROTRACTED speech during the university convocation ceremony, causing several dignitaries to lose interest. Which word is opposite in meaning to the capitalized word as used in the sentence?

  1. briefAnswer
  2. B
    prolonged
  3. C
    delayed
  4. D
    adjourned

Answer

The word opposite in meaning to 'PROTRACTED' in this context is 'brief'.
In the given sentence, 'PROTRACTED' means extended in time, lengthy, or drawn-out. The word 'brief' means lasting a short time, which makes it the direct contextual antonym.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the contextual meaning of the target word
In the sentence, 'PROTRACTED' describes a speech that went on for an excessively long time, causing boredom and fatigue.
Understanding contextual meaning is necessary before searching for an antonym.
2
Evaluate the option choices to identify the true antonym
'Brief' means short in duration, making it the direct opposite of a protracted or drawn-out speech.
An antonym must express the opposing quality in the specific context provided.

Key Concept

Identifying Antonyms in Sentence Context
Estimated Time:45s
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