Question

Difficulty: MediumAntonyms and Words Opposite in Meaning

In the sentence below, one word is capitalized. From the options provided, choose the word that is MOST NEARLY OPPOSITE IN MEANING to the capitalized word.

Although the young diplomat appeared INGENUOUS during the initial negotiations, her subsequent maneuvers revealed a shrewd and calculating mind.

Which of the following options is opposite in meaning to INGENUOUS as used in the sentence?

  1. craftyAnswer
  2. B
    candid
  3. C
    ingenious
  4. D
    artless

Answer

The word opposite in meaning to 'ingenuous' in this sentence context is 'crafty'.
In the given sentence, 'ingenuous' means innocent, naive, and lacking guile. The option 'crafty' means deceitful, sly, and calculating, which is the direct opposite in meaning within this context.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the target word in the sentence.
The clause 'her subsequent maneuvers revealed a shrewd and calculating mind' contrasts with her initial appearance, indicating that 'ingenuous' means innocent, naive, or open.
Contextual clues establish the baseline meaning of the underlined target word before identifying its opposite.
2
Evaluate the option choices to find the true antonym.
'Crafty' means deceitful, sly, or calculating, which directly contradicts the innocent and frank nature of being 'ingenuous'.
Selecting the word that provides the sharpest contrast to the contextual meaning fulfills the antonym requirement.

Key Concept

Contextual Antonyms
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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