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Question

Difficulty: HardAntonyms and Words Opposite in Meaning

Despite the state governor's frequent speeches preaching fiscal responsibility, his administration's PROFLIGATE spending on vanity infrastructure projects left the state treasury completely depleted. Which of the following words is most nearly opposite in meaning to the capitalized word as used in the sentence?

  1. frugalAnswer
  2. B
    extravagant
  3. C
    immoral
  4. D
    bankrupt

Answer

The word most nearly opposite in meaning to 'profligate' in this context is 'frugal'.
In the sentence, 'profligate' describes reckless and wasteful spending of public funds. The word 'frugal' means prudent, economical, and careful with money, which provides the direct contextual opposite.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the contextual meaning of the target word.
In the context of the sentence ('spending on vanity infrastructure projects left the state treasury completely depleted'), 'PROFLIGATE' describes reckless, wasteful, and lavish expenditure of money.
Understanding context is necessary to isolate the specific meaning being tested before finding its antonym.
2
Determine the precise opposite concept required.
The opposite of wasteful and extravagant spending is careful, economical, and prudent management of money.
Antonym questions require identifying the term that stands in direct semantic contrast within the given situation.
3
Evaluate the choices to select the true antonym.
'Frugal' directly denotes being economical and sparing regarding financial expenditure, serving as the exact antonym of 'profligate'.
Selecting 'frugal' correctly fulfills the prompt requirement.

Key Concept

Antonyms and Contextual Word Meaning
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Topics

Antonyms and Words Opposite in Meaning

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