Examkin

Question

Difficulty: MediumAntonyms and Words Opposite in Meaning

Despite the fierce resistance initially mounted by the radical union leaders, the factory workers eventually proved surprisingly TRACTABLE during the final round of wage negotiations. Which of the following options is most nearly opposite in meaning to the capitalized word as used in the sentence?

  1. recalcitrantAnswer
  2. B
    docile
  3. C
    ductile
  4. D
    malleable

Answer

recalcitrant
In the sentence, 'tractable' describes workers who are easy to deal with, compliant, and manageable. The word 'recalcitrant' means obstinately uncooperative and resistant to authority or discipline, making it the exact contextual antonym.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the target word in the sentence.
The sentence contrasts the initial 'fierce resistance' of union leaders with the workers who 'eventually proved surprisingly TRACTABLE', indicating the workers became easy to influence, manage, or reach an agreement with.
Contextual analysis establishes that 'tractable' functions as an adjective meaning compliant, manageable, or amenable.
2
Determine the required relation.
The question asks for the word 'most nearly opposite in meaning' (antonym).
Understanding prompt requirements prevents synonym-antonym inversion errors.
3
Evaluate the option choices to identify the true antonym.
'Recalcitrant' means stubbornly resistant to authority or control, which directly opposes 'tractable'. 'Docile' is a synonym, 'ductile' is a confused paronym referring to metals, and 'malleable' is a near-synonym.
Selecting 'recalcitrant' provides the precise contextual opposite of being manageable.

Key Concept

Contextual Antonyms
Rate this question

Topics

Antonyms and Words Opposite in Meaning

More questions from this topic