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Question

Difficulty: MediumAntonyms and Words Opposite in Meaning

Complete the sentence below by filling in the blank with a word that is MOST NEARLY OPPOSITE in meaning to the capitalized word.

Answer:While the committee chairman was PUGNACIOUS throughout the negotiations, his vice-chairman remained remarkably 【conciliatory】.

Answer

conciliatory (or peaceful / placid / pacific / amicable)
The word 'pugnacious' means aggressive, combative, or eager to fight. The clause introduced by 'While' establishes a contrast between the chairman's belligerent demeanor and the vice-chairman's attitude. Therefore, the blank requires an antonym expressing peace-seeking or placating behavior, such as 'conciliatory', 'peaceful', or 'placid'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the contextual meaning of the target word 'PUGNACIOUS'.
'Pugnacious' means eager or quick to argue, quarrel, or fight; hostile and belligerent.
Understanding the meaning of the target word is essential before identifying its opposite.
2
Analyze the sentence structure to identify the relationship between the target word and the blank.
The conjunction 'While' sets up a contrast between the chairman's behavior and the vice-chairman's behavior.
Contrast structures signal that the missing word must express the opposite quality of being combative.
3
Select a suitable antonym for 'pugnacious'.
Words such as 'conciliatory', 'peaceful', 'placid', or 'amicable' express an inclination toward peace and cooperation rather than hostility.
These words directly contradict the aggressive nature implied by 'pugnacious'.

Key Concept

Contextual Antonyms
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Topics

Antonyms and Words Opposite in Meaning

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