Question

Difficulty: MediumAntonyms and Words Opposite in Meaning

In the sentence below, one word is printed in bold capital letters.

"Despite the mediator's persistent efforts to foster a compromise, the lead negotiator remained completely INTRANSIGENT throughout the talks."

Which of the following words is most nearly opposite in meaning to INTRANSIGENT as used in the sentence?

  1. accommodatingAnswer
  2. B
    obstinate
  3. C
    transient
  4. D
    resolute

Answer

The word most nearly opposite in meaning to 'intransigent' is 'accommodating'.
In the given context, 'intransigent' describes someone who is uncompromising and stubbornly refuses to change their position during discussions. The word 'accommodating' means flexible and willing to yield or adapt to reach an agreement, making it the precise antonym.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the target word within its sentence context.
The target word 'intransigent' describes a negotiator who refuses to compromise despite mediation efforts.
Contextual clues like 'persistent efforts to foster a compromise' indicate that 'intransigent' means uncompromising, firm, or unyielding.
2
Identify the contextual antonym (opposite in meaning).
'Accommodating' describes a willing attitude to adjust, yield, and seek consensus.
Being accommodating is the direct semantic contrast to being intransigent or stubborn during negotiations.

Key Concept

Identifying contextual antonyms for high-level vocabulary in sentence contexts
Estimated Time:50s
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