In each of the following questions, choose the word opposite in meaning to the given word.
Rarely
Answer: C
The opposite is frequently.
Rarely means seldom, so its antonym is often. Hardly means scarcely and is close to rarely rather than opposite to it; periodically describes regularity rather than frequency.
Please log in or register to report this question.
Malicious
Answer: A
The opposite is kind.
Malicious means intending harm, from the Latin malus, bad. Kindness is the intention to do good - the exact reverse. Generous concerns giving, and indifferent means neither one nor the other.
Please log in or register to report this question.
Lend
Answer: D
The opposite is borrow.
To lend is to give something temporarily; to borrow is to take it. The two name the same transaction from opposite ends.
Please log in or register to report this question.
Autonomy
Answer: B
The opposite is dependence.
Autonomy is self-government, from the Greek autos and nomos. Dependence is its exact reverse. Submissiveness and subordination describe attitude and rank rather than the condition itself.
Please log in or register to report this question.
Condense
Answer: A
The opposite is expand.
To condense is to make more compact, from the Latin densus. Expand is its exact opposite; lengthen concerns one dimension only.
Please log in or register to report this question.
Obeying
Answer: A
The opposite is ordering.
Obeying is carrying out a command; ordering is giving one. The two are the two sides of the same act. Refusing is declining to obey, which is a different relation.
Please log in or register to report this question.
Kindle
Answer: D
The opposite is extinguish.
To kindle is to set alight; to extinguish is to put out. Ignite is a synonym rather than an antonym.
Please log in or register to report this question.
Adaptable
Answer: D
The opposite is rigid.
Adaptable means able to change to suit conditions; rigid means unable to bend. Adoptable, which looks similar, means able to be adopted.
Please log in or register to report this question.
Arrogant
Answer: A
The opposite is humble.
Arrogant means having an exaggerated sense of one's importance; humble is the reverse. Egotistic is a near-synonym.
Please log in or register to report this question.
Tragedy
Answer: B
The opposite is comedy.
In drama tragedy and comedy are the two contrasting kinds. A calamity is a disaster, which is close to the everyday sense of tragedy rather than opposite to it.
Please log in or register to report this question.
