In each of the following questions, choose the word opposite in meaning to the given word.
Voluntary
Answer: A
The opposite is involuntary.
Voluntary means done of one's own free will. Compelled and instinctive are two ways of not being voluntary, but involuntary is the direct negative.
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Swear
Answer: A
The opposite is deny.
To swear here means to affirm on oath; to deny is to declare untrue. Maintain and support belong with swear.
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Capricious
Answer: C
The opposite is steadfast.
Capricious means changing suddenly and without reason, from the Italian capriccio. Steadfast holds firm.
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Hybrid
Answer: B
The opposite is purebred.
A hybrid is the offspring of two different varieties; a purebred comes of one. Combination and compound belong with hybrid.
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Laudatory
Answer: D
The opposite is defamatory.
Laudatory means expressing praise. Approbative, eulogistic and praiseful all belong with it; defamatory attacks a reputation.
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Annular
Answer: E
The opposite is straight.
Annular means ring-shaped, from the Latin anulus, a ring. Circular and annulate belong with it; what is straight has no curve at all.
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Nostalgic
Answer: A
The opposite is airy.
Nostalgic means longing for the past, from the Greek for a painful return home. Sentimental and homesick belong with it; airy means light and unconcerned.
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Petulant
Answer: D
The opposite is uncomplaining.
Petulant means childishly sulky and given to complaint. Angry belongs on the same side but is a stronger and simpler feeling.
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Valedictory
Answer: D
The opposite is salutatory.
A valedictory speech says farewell, from the Latin vale, goodbye; a salutatory one gives greeting. In American colleges the two names are given to the closing and opening addresses at commencement.
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Affected
Answer: D
The opposite is unfeigned.
Affected here means put on for show; unfeigned means genuine and unpretended.
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