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Difficulty: MediumAntonyms and Words Opposite in Meaning

During the department debrief, the supervisor noted that the administrator's MERCURIAL temperament often left staff uncertain about how he would react to routine workplace updates. Which word is MOST NEARLY OPPOSITE in meaning to MERCURIAL as used in the sentence?

  1. A
    capricious
  2. predictableAnswer
  3. C
    swift
  4. D
    mercenary

Answer

The word most nearly opposite in meaning to 'mercurial' is 'predictable'.
In the context of the sentence, 'mercurial' describes someone whose mood or temperament changes suddenly and unpredictably. The word 'predictable' means constant and easy to anticipate, making it the precise antonym.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the target word in the sentence.
The phrase 'left staff uncertain about how he would react' indicates that 'mercurial' describes an unpredictable, volatile, or changeable temperament.
Contextual clues clarify the specific trait being evaluated.
2
Identify the required relation (antonym).
We need a word that signifies steady, consistent, or foreseeable behavior rather than changeable behavior.
The question asks for the word opposite in meaning.
3
Evaluate the choices to find the correct antonym.
'Predictable' directly opposes 'mercurial' because it means reliable and constant in nature.
Selecting 'predictable' satisfies the requirement for an antonym.

Key Concept

Contextual Antonyms in Lexis and Vocabulary
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Topics

Antonyms and Words Opposite in Meaning

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