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Difficulty: MediumSynonyms and Words Nearest in Meaning

Despite extensive negotiations and pleas for compromise, the management remained obdurate in its refusal to adjust the proposed working hours.

In the sentence above, which of the following options is NEAREST IN MEANING to the underlined word?

  1. inflexibleAnswer
  2. B
    yielding
  3. C
    obscure
  4. D
    hostile

Answer

The word nearest in meaning to 'obdurate' is 'inflexible'.
In the sentence context, 'obdurate' describes a firm, unyielding stance that resists pleas for compromise. The option 'inflexible' accurately captures this sense of stubborn resistance.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence context
The phrase 'Despite extensive negotiations and pleas for compromise' signals that management refused to alter its position.
Contextual clues establish that the target word characterizes persistent resistance to change.
2
Determine the contextual meaning of 'obdurate'
'Obdurate' refers to being unyielding or stubbornly resistant to persuasion.
Identifying the formal definition in context allows selection of the closest synonym.
3
Evaluate the given options
'Inflexible' directly matches the meaning of being unyielding and unwilling to change.
The correct synonym must fit the precise tone and structural function of the target word.

Key Concept

Contextual vocabulary identification and synonym selection
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Topics

Synonyms and Words Nearest in Meaning

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