Question

Difficulty: HardAntonyms and Words Opposite in Meaning

In spite of the mediator's persistent efforts to forge a compromise between the warring factions, the rebel leader remained INTRANSIGENT, refusing to yield on any of his original demands.

Which of the following words is most nearly OPPOSITE in meaning to the underlined word as used in the sentence?

  1. A
    obdurate
  2. B
    transient
  3. accommodatingAnswer
  4. D
    transparent

Answer

The word most nearly opposite in meaning to 'intransigent' in the given context is 'accommodating'.
In the context of the sentence, 'intransigent' refers to an unyielding and uncompromising attitude during negotiations. The word 'accommodating' means flexible, willing to adjust, and eager to yield or compromise, making it the precise contextual opposite.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the target word in the sentence.
The sentence describes a rebel leader who refuses to yield or compromise despite mediation efforts, establishing that INTRANSIGENT means stubborn, unyielding, or uncompromising.
Contextual analysis is necessary to determine the precise meaning of the highlighted word before seeking its opposite.
2
Identify the core antonym required.
The opposite of being unyielding and uncompromising is being willing to compromise, yield, or adapt to others.
An antonym must express the polar opposite quality in the same grammatical and contextual framework.
3
Evaluate the option choices against the required antonym meaning.
'Accommodating' directly describes someone willing to adapt and reach a compromise, making it the exact antonym.
Selecting 'accommodating' satisfies the prompt's demand for a word opposite in meaning.

Key Concept

Contextual Antonyms
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