In each of the following questions, choose the word opposite in meaning to the given word.
Lethargic
Answer: D
The opposite is invigorating.
Lethargic means heavy and inactive, from the Greek lethargos. Enervating drains strength and so belongs with it; invigorating restores it.
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Dilate
Answer: B
The opposite is contract.
To dilate is to widen, from the Latin for spreading out; to contract is to draw in. The two describe the pupil of the eye in either direction.
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Berate
Answer: B
The opposite is praise.
To berate is to scold at length; to praise is to commend.
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Optimum
Answer: C
The opposite is worst.
Optimum means the best possible in the circumstances, from the Latin optimus. Minimum is the least in quantity, which is a different kind of extreme.
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Gusty
Answer: B
The opposite is calm.
Gusty means blowing in sudden strong bursts; calm is windless. Noisy describes sound rather than wind.
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Unkempt
Answer: D
The opposite is neat.
Unkempt means untidy, especially of hair - kempt is an old past participle of comb. Tawdry means cheap and showy, which is a different fault.
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Ameliorate
Answer: D
The opposite is make worse.
To ameliorate is to make better, from the Latin melior. Its reverse is to make worse.
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Blase
Answer: D
The opposite is ardent.
Blase means unimpressed through over-familiarity; ardent means burning with enthusiasm. Fiery belongs with ardent but describes temper rather than eagerness.
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Antithesis
Answer: E
The opposite is similarity.
An antithesis is the direct opposite of something. Contradictory, reverse and converse all belong with it.
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Carte blanche
Answer: C
The opposite is restriction.
Carte blanche is French for a blank sheet, and means complete freedom to act. Freedom and licence belong with it.
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