Question

Difficulty: HardAntonyms and Words Opposite in Meaning

Despite facing relentless entreaties from the community elders, the warlord remained OBDURATE, refusing to enter into any peaceful negotiations. Which option is MOST NEARLY OPPOSITE in meaning to the capitalized word?

  1. amenableAnswer
  2. B
    intransigent
  3. C
    merciless
  4. D
    obscure

Answer

The word most nearly opposite in meaning to 'OBDURATE' is 'amenable'.
In this context, 'obdurate' means stubbornly persistent and refusing to change one's mind or yield to persuasion. The word 'amenable' means compliant and willing to yield or agree to requests, making it the direct antonym of obdurate.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the target word in context
The target word 'OBDURATE' describes someone who is unyielding, stubbornly refusing to change their opinion or course of action despite entreaties.
Contextual clues like 'refusing to enter into any peaceful negotiations' establish that the word denotes obstinacy and inflexibility.
2
Identify the required relation
The question requests a word opposite in meaning (antonym).
Understanding the precise relation prevents choosing a synonym by mistake.
3
Evaluate the choices for the correct contextual antonym
'Amenable' signifies being compliant, flexible, and open to influence or persuasion, making it the exact antonym of obdurate.
A person who is amenable would yield to entreaties and enter into negotiations, contrasting directly with someone who is obdurate.

Key Concept

Contextual Antonyms and Advanced Lexis
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