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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 emphasized target word in bold. What word correctly completes the contrast in the sentence?

Answer:While the managing director was commended for his sagacious investments during the recession, his deputy was faulted for making 【fatuous】 decisions that brought significant financial losses.

Answer

The correct response is an antonym such as 'fatuous', 'unwise', 'imprudent', or 'foolish'.
The sentence sets up a clear contrast between the managing director, who was praised for his 'sagacious' (wise, shrewd, discerning) investments, and his deputy, who was blamed for decisions leading to financial losses. The word required in the blank must mean foolish, unwise, or lacking judgment. Suitable antonyms include 'fatuous', 'unwise', 'imprudent', 'foolish', or 'injudicious'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the contextual meaning of the emphasized target word.
The word 'sagacious' means having or showing keen mental discernment and good judgment; wise and shrewd.
The director was 'commended' (praised) for these investments, establishing a positive connotation of wisdom.
2
Analyze the sentence structure for contrast clues.
The conjunction 'While' and the phrase 'faulted for making... decisions that brought significant financial losses' establish a direct contrast between the director and his deputy.
The blank requires an adjective opposite in meaning to 'sagacious', reflecting a lack of judgment or wisdom.
3
Select a contextually appropriate antonym.
Words like 'fatuous', 'unwise', 'imprudent', 'foolish', or 'injudicious' directly contradict 'sagacious' and fit syntactically and semantically.
Inserting any of these words accurately completes the contrast required by the sentence.

Key Concept

Contextual Antonyms and Word Contrast
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Topics

Antonyms and Words Opposite in Meaning

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