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Difficulty: HardAntonyms and Words Opposite in Meaning

Match each bold target word in the sentences on the left with the word on the right that is most nearly opposite in meaning (antonym) to it in context.

  • Despite the severe crisis, the diplomat remained remarkably sanguine about the outcome of the peace negotiations.Pessimistic
  • The university Senate rejected the candidate's thesis because of its spurious methodology and unverified data.Authentic
  • Known for his taciturn disposition during board meetings, the director surprised everyone today.Loquacious
  • Her lugubrious expression at the reception cast a dampener over the otherwise festive anniversary mood.Jovial

Answer

The correct pairings are: 'sanguine' matches with 'Pessimistic', 'spurious' matches with 'Authentic', 'taciturn' matches with 'Loquacious', and 'lugubrious' matches with 'Jovial'.
Each sentence utilizes a high-level lexical item whose contextual meaning directly contrasts with its designated pair item: 'sanguine' (optimistic) opposes 'pessimistic'; 'spurious' (counterfeit/invalid) opposes 'authentic'; 'taciturn' (silent/reserved) opposes 'loquacious'; and 'lugubrious' (mournful/gloomy) opposes 'jovial'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the contextual meaning of each bold target word in the sentences.
'Sanguine' means optimistic; 'spurious' means false or unauthentic; 'taciturn' means habitually quiet/uncommunicative; 'lugubrious' means mournful or dismal.
Understanding the exact contextual semantics is required to identify contrasting terms.
2
Select the precise antonym from the right column for each identified word.
The opposite of optimistic ('sanguine') is 'Pessimistic'; the opposite of false ('spurious') is 'Authentic'; the opposite of quiet ('taciturn') is 'Loquacious'; the opposite of mournful ('lugubrious') is 'Jovial'.
Antonyms must match both the semantic domain and grammatical function of the target vocabulary.

Key Concept

Advanced Contextual Antonyms in Tertiary Level English
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Topics

Antonyms and Words Opposite in Meaning

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